Herceptin Heroes Dismayed by PHARMAC Decision

Breast cancer lobby group, the Herceptin Heroes, is appalled by PHARMAC’s decision announced today not to fully fund the drug Herceptin for women with early stage HER2+ breast cancer.

Herceptin Heroes Chair Anne Hayden criticized PHARMAC for making such an ‘inhumane’ decision. ‘PHARMAC has taken away the last piece of hope these women have. Most cannot pay for Herceptin privately and so now must do without. Herceptin has proven survival benefits for women with HER2+ cancers. To say we are disappointed does not even begin to explain how we feel when some of us are now facing certain death.’

Ms Hayden has been extensively involved with a lengthy campaign by many groups and individuals seeking fully funded access to Herceptin for women with early stage HER2+ breast cancer. She initiated the Anne Hayden Herceptin Petition which collected over 18,000 signatures. The Petition was delivered to Parliament on 16 March 2006.

Ms Hayden berated PHARMAC for leading New Zealand further down the path to third world health care status. ‘New Zealand was the first country in the world to approve Herceptin as safe and now PHARMAC follows with such a negative decision. This outcome makes New Zealand look ridiculous and completely out of step with the international health community where many countries have already funded Herceptin for their women.’

While Ms Hayden congratulated the Health Select Committee on their recommendation that ‘Herceptin be fully funded for all women who would benefit from it’, she added, ‘This recommendation means nothing without PHARMAC’s support and the decision not to fund is at odds with the Prime Minister’s comments advocating Labour’s ambition for equitable health care.’

‘Life is a nightmare for many of these women and their families,’ said Ms Hayden, ‘and the PHARMAC decision has ensured that this nightmare will never end.’