Will's Word: Cancer funding decision shows govt is finally listening

The government has announced an extra $604 million over four years for Pharmac, our medicine-buying agency.

This funding will support 54 new drugs, benefiting around 175,000 patients in the next year.

Many Kiwis in urgent need of life-saving medications will finally see their hopes realised.

While originally, 13 new cancer drugs were promised, this funding will directly cover seven, with the others replaced by equally effective or better alternatives.

Additionally, funding will extend to 13 more cancer drugs and 28 drugs for other critical conditions, ensuring a wide range of healthcare needs are met.

This decision shows the government is listening to patients' voices and addressing their urgent healthcare needs promptly. It's a clear sign of commitment to improving healthcare access and fairness for all New Zealanders.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Health Minister Shane Reti, alongside their colleagues, knew they messed up and corrected it. So props to them for doing so.

As we celebrate this breakthrough, it's important to continue focusing on sustainable funding and improving healthcare services to ensure everyone in New Zealand receives the treatments they require, when they need them.

So this announcement is a step forward in providing better healthcare for our communities.

…. That’s Will’s Word…