as the medicines amendment bill is heading for it's second reading, we have created this petition to support the clause. This petition is advocating for the medicines amendment bill, where New Zealand will have a new streamlined system for medicine access. By signing this petition, you are agreeing with the introduction of the new system.

New Zealand constantly ranks amongst the last of the OECD countries in medicines approval. The Medicines Amendment Bill amends the Medicines Act 1981 to improve access to medicines. New Zealand lags significantly behind other OECD countries in public funding and access to new medicines. It takes an average of 33 months for a new medicine to be publicly funded in New Zealand after its global launch, which is the second longest wait time in the OECD. 

The 1981 medicines act cause delays that have massive consequences, such as limiting healthcare options for patients, and affecting their quality of life. Supporting the medicines amendment means that many New Zealanders are not forced to wait for medicines approval. The amendment helps to create a streamlined and modern system where medicine is approved and prescribed more efficiently. 

By supporting this bill, New Zealand can catch up with the rest of the world.