Senior doctors have added their weight to calls for an independent health assessment of the proposed Pacific-wide trade deal.
Jonathan Coleman Photo: RNZ
The issue was discussed at the annual meeting of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists in Wellington today.
More than 130 doctors and dentists at the meeting voted overwhelmingly in support of an independent health assessment of the proposed Trans Pacific Partnership deal, based on the draft deal and before it is signed.
It follows similar concerns from the Medical Association, the Nurses Organisation and others.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman told the conference the Government would not trade its drug-buying agency Pharmac away.
But senior doctors say vested corporate health businesses in the United States are among the most powerful players in the TPP and their intent is to undermine New Zealand's health sytem, where it interferes with their profits.