The President of the Pacific Pharmacists'Association, Kasey Brown, says a review of New Zealand's drug buying agency, Pharmac, should include her organisation.
President of Pacific Pharmacists Association, Kasey Brown Photo: RNZ Pacific / Sela Jane Hopgood
The government announced earlier this week that a panel of experts would lead an independent review of Pharmac, focussing on the timeliness and transparency of decision making.
Within this, it would look at the issue of equity, such as access to medicines and medical devices for Pacific communities.
Kasey Brown said it was very disappointing that there was not going to be a Pacific voice on the panel.
"Many Pacific families suffer from illnesses like diabetes and cardiology issues and rely on a daily dose of medication to survive," Brown said.
The community faced many cultural barriers when visiting a pharmacy, she added.
Brown said there was also a lack of understanding and fear within the Pacific community about medications.
"It's about understanding and getting our Pacific families to engage with us so we can bridge that gap."
The Green Cross Health Group includes 365 pharmacies and 41 medical centres nationwide. Photo: 123RF