Category Archive

Interviewer: Why is Pharmac under fire for not being transparent and accountable? Is that really the case? Geoff: Well, Pharmac has to negotiate a limited budget with American pharmaceutical companies. So those negotiations are done behind closed doors. Of course, … Read More

Gareth Morgan and Geoff Simmons, Health Cheque authors The argument of Medicines New Zealand was finally laid before the public last week (Pharmac’s outlet- mall approach injurious to health – and to trade, June 8). They hoped to counter some … Read More

Speaking of those that bleat the loudest, last week Counties Manukau DHB (CMDHB) released a report in the New Zealand Medical Journal about the costs of treatment in the last year of life. Each of the 2290 people that died … Read More

There has been a lot of coverage on the issue of Pharmac as part of the negotiations for the Trans Pacific Partnership. The Government have got behind Pharmac, but haven’t ruled out any changes as long as the overall package … Read More

Free trade is a great thing. It’s basic economics: Focus on what you are best at, and then trade with other people for the stuff you need. The more people you have to trade with, the greater range of stuff … Read More

Geoff Simmons on Nutrition was last modified: December 15th, 2015 by Gareth Morgan

So Dunedin has been placated, neurosurgery stays in the region (albeit in a ‘learning capacity’). Meanwhile the flip flopping on pediatric oncology in Wellington continues. The inevitable closing of both has been delayed for a little while longer. The Closest … Read More