Patient perspective – Kendall Takuta’s story

“I want to make memories with my kids and be there for them as they grow up. I’m determined to do everything I can to make that happen,” she says. “The funding could not only give me peace of mind but also mean more time to create those lasting memories.”

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Progress towards melanoma drug funding

Today Pharmac has released consultation on a proposal which means that from 1 June 2025 many advanced melanoma patients in New Zealand could have access to some melanoma drugs for which they were previously ineligible.

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Pharmac Funding Boost Announcement

Although yesterday’s announcement of a Pharmac funding boost is a significant and positive step for medicines access in New Zealand, uncertainty and concern remain for many melanoma patients in New Zealand.

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Melanoma New Zealand is one of 16 cancer organisations to sign today’s following open letter to Prime Minister Chistopher Luxon, Minister of Finance Nicola Willis, and the Associate Minister of Health (Pharmac) David Seymour:

Dear Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Minister of Finance Nicola Willis, and Associate Minister of Health (Pharmac) David Seymour, In August last year a promise was made to fund 13 new cancer medicines via a $280 million ring-fenced fund to Pharmac.  According to the...

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