Targeting diabetes drugs at Māori and Pasifika is needs-based, specialist says (opens original article in a new tab)

A specialist argues that targeting diabetes drugs at Māori and Pasifika populations is based on health needs, while Health NZ restricts objections to changes in funding criteria.

• Health NZ prevents the Cardiac Network from objecting to removing ethnicity-based eligibility for diabetes drugs.
• Specialists claim Māori and Pasifika are at higher risk of diabetes, justifying targeted treatment.
• A Cabinet directive mandates public services be prioritized by need, not race, influencing the funding decision.