How does the operation of PHARMAC's 'Community Exceptional ...

Test-Question 2
“Is this distribution arranged so that it is attached to positions and offices
which are open and accountable to all?”
Rawls identifies openness and accountability as necessary components of
distributive justice. Test-question 2 explores these aspects of openness and
accountability in PHARMAC’s operational processes. Again the regularly
occurring themes are drawn on to give examples of PHARMAC’s performance
in these areas.
PHARMAC is required to meet the highest standard of public accountability
through public policy requirements of the New Zealand Public Health and
Disability Act (2000), the Public Finance Act (2004), the Commerce Act (1986),
the Official Information Act (1982) and the Crown Entities Act (2004).
PHARMAC also has public accountability touch points other than legislative
requirements. These touch points are PHARMAC’s annual report and audited
accounts presented to Parliament, PHARMAC’s appearance before the Health
Select Committee, ministerial submissions, regular meetings with the Minister
of Health, responses to requests under the OIA and PHARMAC’s contribution
to the Briefing to Incoming Ministers. PHARMAC has also been involved in
many court challenges from members of the public and the pharmaceutical
industry. PHARMAC did not resile from legal defences of its allocative policies
and practices. The majority of these legal challenges have been decided in
PHARMAC’s favour.
PHARMAC has an extensive website and publishes information sheets
assisting public submissions on pharmaceutical schedules, news about
changing medicines, notifications and consultations, forms etc. There is a
section of the PHARMAC website managing public consultation and
encouraging feedback from pharmaceutical suppliers, health professionals,
health interest groups and the general public. PHARMAC has occasionally run
forums for the general public on matters which are of high public interest and
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