The Researched Medicines Industry Association (RMI) has welcomed the budget announcement of continued investment in medicines over the next four years.
Funding for medicines will increase by $80 million over the next four years, with the Government contributing an additional $40 million of that funding.
"There is a significant gap developing between the medicines funded in New Zealand and other countries, such as Australia, affecting access to medicines for New Zealanders and increasing pressure on other services," said RMI chief executive Denise Wood.
"This funding should be prioritised to fund those medicines that have been given a high priority, but have not been funded to date because of budgetary constraints. Perhaps it can also be used to remove some of the restrictions on access that currently exist."
Ms Wood said spending on medicines should be considered an investment in the health of the population and a wise use of health dollars.