About PHARMAC

An important part of PHARMAC’s role is to ensure that medicines are used appropriately, not overused, underused or misused.

Who is PHARMAC?

PHARMAC is the Pharmaceutical Management Agency of New Zealand.  We are a New Zealand Government Agency and are part of the medicines system. 

What does PHARMAC do?

PHARMAC decides which medicines are subsidised on behalf of District Health Boards.  We have four main roles:

• Manage the Pharmaceutical Schedule of Government subsidised medicines.
• Promote access to, and optimal use of medicines.
• Manage subsidies of some medicines and products for public hospitals.
• Manage Exceptional Circumstances schemes and other special access programmes for medicines.

Why has PHARMAC developed Space to Breathe?

An important part of PHARMAC’s role is to ensure that medicines are used appropriately, not overused, underused or misused.  One way we do this is by developing Campaigns like Wise Use of Antibiotics (encouraging the proper use of antibiotics) and Space to Breathe (encouraging proper use of asthma medicines).