The New Zealand Government is currently proposing the introduction of a Therapeutic Products Bill (TPB). In this context Therapeutic Products are meant to encompass medicines, medical devices, natural health products, and pharmaceutical ingredients. With the introduction of this Bill the government seeks to “provide for the regulation of therapeutic products in a way that is comprehensive and balances the risks and benefits of the products”[1], repealing most current regulations under the Medicines Act 1981 and the Dietary Supplements Regulations 1985 under the Food Act 2014.
As the TPB currently stands, there are issues that could prevent this Bill from having a positive impact on Māori health and wellbeing and could potentially exacerbate current inequities for Māori. We have gathered feedback from some of our stakeholders, including Rongoā practitioners, whānau, hapū and Iwi on the proposed Bill, which are represented in the infographic poster above.
You can also view a PDF copy here.
