Pharmac report shows ‘gulf’ between leadership and patients, says management lacks respect, too defensive

Pharmac’s relationship with patient and consumer groups has been criticised in an independent report. It follows two emotionally-charged meetings last year which aimed to reset the relationship between management and advocates. Chief executive Sarah Fitt resigned last month after a turbulent period in which the Government and the board refused to publicly back her .

Pharmac’s rocky relationship with patient advocates has been highlighted in a new report which said the medicines agency was slow to respond, lacked respect for patients and was highly defensive. The report, based on two workshops held last year, said there was a “gulf” between Pharmac management and patient and consumer groups. It recommended immediate changes and broader reform of the organisation.



The organisation’s chief executive, Sarah Fitt, resigned last month after a turbulent period in which her leadership was heavily criticised by patient advocates. Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Pharmac chairwoman Paula Bennett had refused to express confidence in her..