Pharmac: Rachel Smalley on advocacy and transparency in New Zealand's health sector

What happens when a renowned journalist confronts a seemingly untouchable pharmaceutical authority? Rachel Smalley dared to do just that. Emails from Pharmac staff personally attacking Smalley, obtained under the Privacy Act, appear to reveal an alarming lack of focus, empathy and priority in the leadership group. I think heads need to roll. Immediately. Pharmac was established with the noble intention of regulating New Zealand's pharmaceutical industry in the mid-90s. However, the unchanging objectives and operations of Pharmac have left us trailing behind other Western countries in terms of access to life-saving drugs. Smalley gives us an insider's view into the workings of this body and how political influence could be a potential game-changer in shifting the focus back onto patient-centric care. This is a revealing exploration of the Pharmac system and its consequences for everyday New Zealanders. Chapters: 2:28 - Slam Dunc 5:30 - Rachel Smalley 35:47 - Letters To The Editor