Achieving equitable health outcomes

Addressing those most in need

“Achieving equity in health outcomes requires Pharmac to proactively address the needs of the population groups furthest behind, or who have been most 
poorly served by the health system,” says Pharmac’s Manager, Equity and Engagement, Salī Salī.

First equity policy announced

In 2024, Pharmac finalised its first Equity Policy. This policy outlines a series of commitments Pharmac will make to achieve equitable outcomes and foster organisational equity. It focuses on those with severe health conditions and individuals facing multiple disadvantages that affect their health needs.

“To support better health outcomes for people with higher needs, we need to make changes to how we do things. We need to consider how we use data, build internal capability, invest in health interventions, and update our processes and decision-making,” says Salī.

Uniting for healthier futures

Pharmac is now working with other government agencies to align our efforts to improve health equity for New Zealanders. We have recently established a new cross-agency equity working group to coordinate initiatives across the health sector and promote an equitable and healthy future for all.

This group comprises staff from eleven health agencies, including Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health, as well as specialised agencies, such as the Ministry of Disabled People and the New Zealand Blood Service.

“It’s vital for Pharmac to work closely with the rest of the health system, as the inequitable access to medicines and medical devices extends beyond Pharmac alone,” says Salī.