Dr McQuinlan recently joined Corin Dann on Radio New Zealand’s Morning Report to discuss the current status of Pharmac funding for Wegovy® in New Zealand. In the conversation, they explore what Pharmac funding could mean for patients, including improved access to evidence-based treatment and greater recognition of obesity as a chronic medical condition. Dr McQuinlan also speaks to the challenges many patients face when effective medications aren’t publicly funded, and why treatments like Wegovy® can play an important role alongside lifestyle and nutritional support. It’s a helpful listen for anyone wanting to better understand the current landscape, what this means for you, and what may change in the future. Listen to the podcast below to hear what he had to say.
The discussion around Pharmac's potential funding for Wegovy raises important questions about healthcare priorities. While the focus on obesity as a chronic condition is welcome, one must consider the implications for affordability and accessibility in comparison to other treatments. This situation is reminiscent of debates seen in sectors such as goldex, where financial access shapes the landscape of options available to consumers.