26 August 2024
Over-the-counter medicines peak body Consumer Health Products New Zealand (CHPNZ) recently welcomed the Associate Minister of Health (Pharmac and Medsafe) to its 2024 Annual General Meeting in Auckland.
Hon David Seymour, accompanied by the Parliamentary Undersecretary for Health and former pharmaceutical executive Todd Stephenson MP, addressed the industry and answered questions for over 40 minutes, demonstrating his understanding of the sector and the challenges, as well as opportunities, facing the organisation.
In his presentation to the AGM, opened earlier by local constituent MP Hon Brooke van Velden, Minister Seymour outlined changes to expedite the regulatory process and to give New Zealanders safe and more timely access to innovative medicines, such as those already available in other countries such as Australia.
In addition to the Coalition Government’s repeal of the Therapeutic Products Act (TPA), the Minister said he continued to push for a more workable regulatory pathway that will allow approved products from other select nations also available in New Zealand.
The Minister said he understood the need for practical harmonisation, particularly under the effects of the TPA, and requested CHPNZ members provide his office with examples of where the current system was not working and suggestions on how it can be improved.
CHPNZ chairman, Abs Saadi said that the CHPNZ members made it clear to the Ministers present that the current proposal from Medsafe for the Rule-of-Two (regulatory countries) and the 30-Day Reliance Pathway was not workable.
“Our members are therefore looking forward to working with his office and the regulator to find a process that will make new product registrations easier, safer, more affordable and delivered in good time,” Abs Saadi said.
Scott Milne, CHPNZ Chief Executive said the Minister conveyed that regulatory process changes could be difficult, and he challenged CHPNZ to work constructively, productively and pragmatically with like-minded organisations and the regulator.
“The Minister’s enthusiasm to make positive change was welcomed by our members and CHPNZ would do all it could to implement a replacement for the 40-year-old Medicines Act, pushing for it to be fit for purpose and able to stand the test of time,” said Scott Milne.
