PHARMAC’s Māori Responsiveness Strategy Action Plan Marama Parore Ngati Whatua, Ngapuhi, Ngati Kahu GM Access & Optimal Use – Pou Arahi Te Whaioranga

Gaps in Māori use of medicine - after adjusting for age, burden of disease (need) and relevant to the Pharmaceutical Schedule

Te Tiriti o Waitangi PHARMAC acknowledges the special relationship that exists between the Crown and Maori, and recognises the articles of the Treaty of Waitangi; and the principles  Partnership;  Protection;  Participation.

Goal To ensure that Māori have:  Access to subsidised medicines  The knowledge to use these medicines safely and appropriately

History of the Māori Responsiveness Strategy 2001: 15 consultation hui 2002: Māori Responsiveness Strategy I : Māori Responsiveness Strategy II : Māori Responsiveness Strategy III

 “there are barriers to accessing health professionals – cost, attitude to Māori, being treated as a number”  “patients are not provided with sufficient information from chemists”  “you aren’t told everything and you can’t ask what you don’t know”  “chemist labels are confusing and hide the contents of the medicine”  “Confusion around trade names versus generic medicines”  “Medications need to be explained”  “Print on small bottles are too little to read”  “Kaumatua do not like to ask questions and are sometimes treated like they are thick”  “Māori are unsure of medicines – there is an air of mistrust and often they just need understanding” PHARMAC survey - Key points from hui

Māori Responsiveness Strategy – M ā ori strategic priorities – Internal capability – Data collection and analysis – Funding and procurement – Information on subsidised medicines and optimal use – M ā ori representation and participation

PHARMAC commitment to M ā ori Health

He Manawa Tahi Koiora Tini Cardiovascular Disease – key priority Tane Ora – Māori and Pacific Island men 35+ years Māori and Pacific Island men die of heart disease, years earlier than non-Māori and non-Pacific Island men

Asthma is the leading cause of childhood admissions to hospital Māori and Pacific people are more likely to be hospitalised for asthma and have more severe chronic symptons The ratio of SABA to ICS dispensings is higher in Māori and Pacific children

Discussion