By Thaddeus M. Baklinski
AUCKLAND, August 21, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The New Zealand Pharmaceutical Management Agency (Pharmac) has decided to add flavoured condoms to the range of contraceptives that it subsidizes.
Pharmac is a government agency that decides which medicines are funded by the New Zealand Medicines System and fully or partially pays the cost of most prescription medicines for New Zealanders.
Citing extremely high and continually increasing rates of sexually transmitted diseases, unplanned pregnancies and abortions in New Zealand, Pharmac acting medical director Dilky Rasiah said that the decision was about getting better health outcomes through a greater use of condoms, and increasing choice for a lower price.
“Improving sexual health is a government health priority so increasing the range of condoms available can only be good in terms of encouraging safe sex practices,” he said.
A New Zealand Herald report states that Pharmac currently spends about $1 million of taxpayer’s money subsidizing the sale of condoms.
New Zealand’s pro-family lobby group Family First has condemned Pharmac’s decision, saying it was “morally bankrupt and an insult to the many New Zealanders with breast cancer, high blood pressure and heart disease.”
In a press release, the group’s National Director, Bob McCoskrie said, “It is tragic and a national disgrace that at a time when Pharmac can’t find funding for sufferers of breast cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and other serious problems, that they can find funding to subsidise flavoured condoms.”
“This is not a health and safety issue. It’s not about preventing unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases. This is simply about funding sexual behaviour that shouldn’t be, at the cost of the taxpayer or other more life-threatening medication.”
“Is Pharmac going to consider subsidising sex toys next?” he added.
The New Zealand Cancer Society has attacked Pharmac for preventing New Zealanders from getting appropriate access to medicines, such as the breast cancer drug Herceptin, that are regarded as essential in most countries.
In a TV New Zealand report, Herceptin campaigner Anne Hayden said, “Pharmac needs to get real and spend the money where it counts,” after the agency turned down pleas for a treatment plan for breast cancer using the drug.
“While the move may come as good news to sexually active teenagers, it does little for the 600-odd women who die each year from breast cancer,” added Hayden. (https://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/1318241/2024611)
Hayden is not alone in her criticism of the decision, as other health and medicine related organizations have voiced their disgust.
Auckland cardiologist Dr. Chris Ellis has accused Pharmac of policies that have unduly restricted access to appropriate heart drugs.
Allergy New Zealand chief executive Penny Jorgensen said Pharmac should fund EpiPens for all of the estimated 20,000 people at risk of severe allergic reactions to foods or insect stings. Pharmac’s medical director, Dr Peter Moodie, said it had decided against funding EpiPens partly because of their cost.
“Yet Pharmac can find funding for strawberry flavoured condoms,” said Mr. McCoskrie.
Family First is calling on the government to reverse this spending decision, and to re-prioritise Pharmac’s spending so that drugs are more readily available for genuine life-threatening illnesses.
To express your support for the Family First initiative please contact:
Family First New Zealand
PO Box 276 133,
Manukau City, New Zealand
Phone: 09 261 2426
Fax: 09 261 2520
Website: https://www.familyfirst.org.nz/
To voice your concern to Pharmac please contact:
PHARMAC
PO Box 10-254
Wellington, New Zealand
Phone: 0800 660 050 from within New Zealand
+64 4 460 4990 from overseas
Fax: +64 4 460 4995
Email: [email protected]