7. NICKY WAGNER (National) Link to this
to the Minister for ACC
What reports has he received on the implementation of the Government’s policy in relation to Herceptin?
Hon TONY RYALL (Minister of Health) Link to this
Within weeks of last year’s general election, the Government, as part of keeping its election promise, announced it would be fully subsidising a 12-month course of Herceptin for women suffering from HER2 positive breast cancer. I am pleased to be able to report to members that, according to the latest available information, 191 women with HER2 positive breast cancer were receiving the Government’s fully funded 12-month course of Herceptin at the end of September.
The new Government has provided an extra $40 million for subsidised medicines this year, including the 12-month Herceptin course. In addition to women receiving the fully subsidised 12-month course of Herceptin, people suffering from cystic fibrosis, hepatitis B, leukaemia, and autoimmune disorders will receive more treatment as a result of the extra medicines funding. At this time of economic restraint, the Government is working to achieve better access to medicines for New Zealanders.