Rural Women NZ welcomes improved access to emergency medicines in rural communities

Rural Women New Zealand welcomes Pharmac's decision to fund emergency medicines for rural communities, calling it a significant step forward for equity in healthcare.

"This is a win for rural families," says Sandra Kirby, Chief Executive of Rural Women New Zealand. "It removes a barrier that's existed for too long between rural communities and the emergency care they need."

The decision means Primary Response in Medical Emergency (PRIME) services will now have funded access to critical medicines used in community emergency care. Midwives attending home births will also be able to access tranexamic acid to treat postpartum haemorrhage, and ketamine will be available for palliative care in the community.

"When a mother has a postpartum haemorrhage after a home birth, or someone needs urgent pain relief in their final days, minutes matter," says Sandra Kirby. "These medicines mean rural health professionals can now provide the same standard of care, whether you live in Auckland or rural Southland."

Rural Women New Zealand submitted in support of Pharmac's proposal in December 2025, as part of their advocacy for better rural health services.

"Our members have been clear that access to emergency healthcare shouldn't depend on your postcode," says Sandra Kirby. "We're pleased to have added our voice to this consultation and to see these changes now coming into effect."

The changes will be implemented through Practitioner Supply Orders, enabling rural health professionals to stock medicines in advance so they're available when emergencies happen.

ENDS