Press Release – For Immediate Release – ANZMES (Associated New Zealand Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Society Incorporated) is urging Parliament to ensure the Medicines Amendment Bill prioritises accessibility, affordability, and patient-centered care—particularly for individuals living with chronic illnesses such as ME/CFS, Long COVID, and Fibromyalgia.
The bill introduces streamlined approval pathways for medicines recognised in international jurisdictions, a move advocates say should include alternative and off-label treatments that have demonstrated significant benefits for those with complex conditions. Currently, thousands of New Zealanders would like to rely on medications such as Low-Dose Naltrexone, B12 injections, and mitochondrial supplements to manage their conditions—yet these treatments remain largely inaccessible due to a lack of subsidies and formal funding pathways.
“The Government must recognise that early intervention and equitable access to medications aren’t just healthcare issues, but economic ones,” says Fiona Charlton, President of ANZMES. “By funding effective treatments, we can prevent complications, reduce hospitalisations, and empower patients to maintain their quality of life.”
Beyond financial barriers, systemic challenges such as medical stigma, complex bureaucratic processes, and unclear prescribing guidelines further limit access to essential care. People with cognitive impairments—such as those experiencing brain fog due to ME/CFS and Long COVID—face additional difficulties navigating complex medical documentation and policy frameworks. Advocates argue that government communication must prioritize plain language to ensure health policies remain accessible for all.
“Healthcare should not require a medical degree to understand,” states Charlton. “For individuals with brain fog or processing difficulties, plain language is crucial. If policies and funding pathways are too convoluted to navigate, then the system is failing the very people it exists to serve.”
ANZMES is calling for:
- Funding for off-label treatments proven effective for chronic illnesses.
- New Zealand-led research investment to improve evidence-based treatment guidelines.
- Clear prescribing and funding pathways for alternative medicines.
- Alignment between medicine funding and disability reforms to ensure holistic care.
- Commitment to plain language communication for accessible healthcare policies.
“This is an opportunity for Parliament to lead with innovation, compassion, and equity,” says Charlton. “We urge policymakers to support reforms that prioritise patient needs, ensure affordability, and recognise the real-world impact of medical barriers on vulnerable communities.”
