Locals are set to benefit from an expanded range of medicines, thanks to a significant funding increase for Pharmac, New Zealand's medicine funding agency.

Associate Health Minister David Seymour highlighted the progress made possible by the Government's record-breaking $6.294 billion Pharmac budget, allocated over four years.

When the current Government assumed office, Pharmac faced a $1.7 billion funding shortfall, limiting its capacity to increase access to essential treatments.

Mr Seymour explained that addressing this funding gap became a priority, enabling Pharmac to negotiate better deals and increase the availability of life-saving medicines.

As of December 2nd, the funding uplift is bringing tangible results.

Lenvatinib, used for treating thyroid, liver, and kidney cancers, is now accessible to an estimated 112 patients.

Additionally, empagliflozin, a medication for chronic heart failure, will support around 18,000 patients, with this figure expected to rise to 33,000 annually after five years.

Pharmac has also funded low-sensitivity urine test kits, allowing approximately 9,300 women to confirm the effectiveness of abortions at home, avoiding the need for blood tests.

For individuals with ADHD, Lisdexamfetamine is now available as a new once-daily treatment option, easing pressure on the supply of other ADHD medications.

Earlier this year, Mr Seymour called for Pharmac to strengthen its processes for involving patients, carers, and families in medicine funding decisions.

“We want to build a world-class health system, and that requires access to world-class medicines,” he stated.

Pharmac operates independently, setting its priorities within the Government's allocated budget.

Further details on the newly funded medicines can be found on Pharmac’s website.