Nurses support the call for TPPA transparency, health check

Press Release – New Zealand Nurses Organisation

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is deeply concerned about the potential, negative impact of a Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) on the health of New Zealanders.Nurses support the call for TPPA transparency and health check

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is deeply concerned about the potential, negative impact of a Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) on the health of New Zealanders.

There is potential for our successful drug-buying Pharmac model to be undermined and for an extension on length of time for patents impacting on the affordability and access to medicines. There is also a risk that our government may be constrained from developing laws which improve the public health of New Zealanders. For example initiatives on tobacco or alcohol control may be legally challenged by multinational companies.

Talks are being held in secret. There is no transparency. An analysis of the health impact of any agreed clauses must happen before the New Zealand government signs up to the TPPA.

Nurses are deeply concerned about the potential risk to New Zealand’s public health system and they join other health professionals in seeking transparency and a health check before any deal is signed.

ENDS

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