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Pharmac Drops Ethnicity for Diabetes Drugs | Christchurch News
Pharmac is ditching ethnicity-based eligibility for key diabetes drugs, opening access to all who need them—regardless of background. Deputy PM David Seymour called the old system “outright racism,” saying it forced doctors to deny life-saving treatments to those who couldn’t afford the steep cost. The new clinical-only criteria focus on sustained high blood sugar levels. Meanwhile, unemployment hits an 11-year high as Seymour blames global pressures and past spending, while ACT pushes for more drug funding, aiming to match Australia’s spending by 2033 without cutting other health services…
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