Pharmac's board chair says the drug buying agency has a management issue with listening to patient voices.

A review of consumer engagement with the Government agency finds it's seen as 'defensive'.

It also says Pharmac's slow to respond and lacks respect for patient advocates.

Chair Paula Bennett says the organisation had become insular and inward-looking - more often than not.

"And instead of proactively having what are really awkward and uncomfortable and difficult conversations with people when we're saying - I'm sorry, I can't fund your medicine. But at least doing that in an open and transparent way is what we expect." 

LISTEN ABOVE

Pharmac's board chair says the drug buying agency has a management issue with listening to patient voices.
A review of consumer engagement with the Government agency finds it's seen as 'defensive'.
It also says Pharmac's slow to respond and lacks respect for patient advocates.
Chair Paula Bennett says the organisation had become insular and inward-looking - more often than not.
"And instead of proactively having what are really awkward and uncomfortable and difficult conversations with people when we're saying - I'm sorry, I can't fund your medicine. But at least doing that in an open and transparent way is what we expect."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Paula Bennett: Pharmac chair responds to independent report about the drug buying agency

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/cb758552-8273-46ca-bc4b-b29c003bff40/transcript