Patient community helps improve access to paediatric cancer medicines for young Kiwis

Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown announced Pharmac’s decision to broaden access to funded cancer treatments for adolescents and young adults with paediatric-origin cancers. Seymour highlighted that funding disparities existed between paediatric and adult oncology services, leaving some young patients without access to necessary medicines despite similar treatment needs.

Pharmac’s review of Rule 8.1(b) in 2023 identified the issue after consultations with clinicians and families of young cancer patients. The rule previously restricted funded medicine access based on the type of oncology service, creating inequities for eligible adolescents and young adults.

The change ensures that around 15 adolescents and young adults annually will become eligible for funded treatment, regardless of whether they receive care in a paediatric or adult oncology service. Pharmac collaborated with clinical experts and cancer sector stakeholders to implement a practical solution addressing the identified gaps.

Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasized that treatment decisions should be based on clinical needs, not administrative factors. He acknowledged the advocacy of the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Network Aotearoa and patient families, whose efforts led to this policy adjustment aimed at improving fairness and timeliness in cancer care.