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An open letter signed by over 600 blood cancer patients has called on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to follow through on pre-election promises to fund essential treatments. Written by patient Elvin Tibbs, the letter highlights the ongoing disparity between New Zealand and Australia in terms of access to critical blood cancer treatments, urging the government to take immediate action.
Cancer Control Agency Report
A new report by the Cancer Control Agency, released on 24 October, highlights a disparity in blood cancer treatment between New Zealand and Australia. Despite the availability of 24 essential medications across the Tasman, New Zealand patients are being denied access to potentially life-saving treatments.
The report further reveals that six of these medicines are either awaiting funding approval or are in the assessment process by Pharmac, New Zealand’s drug-buying agency. These medicines have shown proven benefits in extending survival and improving the quality of life for blood cancer patients.
The open letter calls for urgent action stating,
“This report highlights the harsh reality that life-saving blood cancer medications remain unfunded in New Zealand, despite being readily available to patients in comparable countries. For those of us living with blood cancers, these medicines represent our best chance of survival, emphasising the devastating impact of this disparity. With the findings now made public, we urge you to take immediate action to close this gap and honour the commitments you made to our community.”
The letter highlights the personal toll on patients, many of whom are left to navigate a health system where life-saving treatments are beyond reach
Pre-Election Promises Still Unfulfilled
During the election campaign, Hon Dr Shane Reti vowed that blood cancer patients would “not be forgotten” and that 13 new cancer medications, including blood cancer treatments, would be funded through a $604 million increase to Pharmac’s budget.
Yet, despite these assurances, many patients are still awaiting access to the promised medications, which remain unavailable to them.
The open letter closes with a direct plea to the Prime Minister: “We are simply asking you to deliver on your commitments; for the same chance at life that patients in comparable countries already receive.” The letter, which was published online on 31 October, continues to gather signatures, with new support pouring in from across the country.