Social Studies students aim to influence policy change

They are asking the government to include Avastin into the public system if the drug is already paid for and proven to be effective.

Avastin is a cancer drug that is not funded by Pharmac so can cost the patient $87,000 in the first year then $60,000 per year after that.

The policy change would cap the costs for the patient at around $55,000.

Pharmac does not fund the drug because it is not successful for all patients and there are many drugs that fit into this category.

This initiative is a compromise that simply lets the public hospital include Avastin if it is already working for that patient and the patient has already paid for a lifetime supply.

Aneka, Janice and Lexi met with Pakuranga MP Simeon Brown on Friday 5 June to get his advice on how to go about this policy change action.

The students are planning an official Parliamentary Petition later this week and aim to address the Health Select Committee in Wellington.