Working with suppliers
Pharmac works with pharmaceutical companies to supply medicines to New Zealand that people need, and to resolve any supply issues or medicine changes.
“Maintaining strong relationships with suppliers helps us anticipate and manage supply issues to minimise the impact on people who need medicines,” says Pharmac’s Manager of Procurement & Contracts, Nat James.
Making sure medicines are available
“Supply issues affecting New Zealand are often the result of global supply issues. If there is likely to be a shortage of a medicine, we work with suppliers, clinicians and consumer groups to give them up to date information they can act on," she says.
Ensuring people know of any changes
It’s also important that Pharmac works with suppliers to ensure that New Zealanders are aware of any changes to medicines. For example, in early 2024 a supplier planned to change the formulation and shape of levothyroxine (brand name Eltroxin) tablets, a medicine that helps people manage an underactive thyroid and lead a normal, healthy life.
Pharmac worked closely with the supplier and Medsafe to communicate information about these changes to the public. The supplier created a range of resources to communicate the change and worked with Pharmac to distribute these materials to health professionals across New Zealand, people who take levothyroxine, advocacy groups, and wholesalers.
“Our positive working relationship with the supplier meant that both they and Pharmac were able to provide accurate timely information, so people could make informed decisions about their own care.”