Decision to update Pharmac’s Operating Policies and Procedures Manual
What we’re doing
Pharmac is updating its Operating Policies and Procedures Manual (the Manual) that explains how it carries out its statutory role and functions.
The role of the Manual
The Manual explains, at a high level, how Pharmac operates and how decisions are made and implemented. It covers decision‑making, consultation and engagement, funding, the Pharmaceutical Schedule, commercial processes, and reimbursement. The Manual is referenced in supplier contracts and is a resource for clinicians, suppliers, and other sector partners.
- Operating Policy and Procedures Manual [PDF 585 KB]
Why we’re proposing this
The Manual has been updated to more accurately reflect Pharmac’s current work and recent changes to the wider health system.
It outlines Pharmac’s processes and ensures they reflect current legislation and today’s health system. It clearly sets out areas of work that are underway, such as consultation and engagement, equity, research, and how some decisions are implemented.
The update has also made the Manual clearer and easier to understand.
Note that updating the Manual does not change how Pharmac operates in practice, including how medicines and other treatments are assessed, prioritised, or funded.
Any changes to the original proposal?
There have been no changes as a result of consultation feedback.
Who we think will be most interested
- Clinicians
- Suppliers
- Other parts of the New Zealand public health system.
Our response to what you told us
We’re really grateful for the time people took to respond to this consultation.
We considered all responses received by the deadline, as well as one late submission. Submissions were assessed against the aims of the updated Manual and the four questions asked. No changes have been made to the Manual. Most of the feedback fell outside the scope of the Manual update. We encourage people to look out for upcoming work, which may be a better place to consider these matters.
A summary of the main themes and our responses to the feedback is set out below.
|
Themes |
Comment |
|---|---|
|
The guidance document’s high-level nature
|
Like earlier versions, the Manual is meant to stay high-level. It provides broad guidance rather than detailed rules. More detailed requirements are set out in supporting policies and processes. |
|
Clarifying the practical operation of the Factors for Consideration |
Some feedback pointed to the Factors for Consideration as an area to improve. We’ve noted this, but it is outside the scope of this update. |
|
Approach to consultation and expert advice |
Feedback identified consultation and expert advice as missing or needing improvement. These are covered in the updated Manual (sections 1.3 and 1.6) but making changes to the processes themselves are outside the scope of this update. Pharmac’s Consultation Policy has been published. More information on how we get advice is available online. |
|
Advancing equity, Te Tiriti obligations, and transparency |
These matters have been noted, but changes to how they operate are outside the scope of this update. Information on the framework for achieving health equity in the work we do is set out in our Equity Policy, and the Access Criteria Policy explains how access criteria for funded pharmaceuticals are developed. |
If you have any questions about this decision, you can email us at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz; or call our toll free number (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday) on 0800 660 050.