Rural Women NZ Backs Life-Saving Emergency Medicine Proposal
Rural Women New Zealand supports Pharmac’s proposal to expand emergency medicine access in rural communities.
"We strongly support Pharmac's proposal to expand emergency medicine access in rural communities," says Sandra Kirby, Chief Executive of Rural Women New Zealand.
“This will save lives and means rural New Zealanders can get faster access to the same emergency care as people in cities.”
For rural women and families, access to emergency medicines can be the difference between life and death. Whether it's a serious injury, a mother experiencing postpartum haemorrhage, or a loved one needing pain relief at end-of-life, having the right medicines available when and where they're needed matters.
The proposals include expanding access to emergency medicines at Primary Response in Medical Emergency (PRIME) sites, making tranexamic acid available to treat postpartum haemorrhage in the community, and funding ketamine for palliative care.
Rural Women New Zealand has just submitted in support of all three proposals.
The submission also recommends expanding access beyond PRIME sites to include all rural emergency services personnel, using the Geographical Classification for Health to determine eligibility, and making ketamine available under Medical Practitioner Supply Orders for home-based palliative care.
"With the right implementation support, these changes will save lives and reduce suffering in our communities," says Sandra Kirby.