Definitions
Terms used in this policy have specific meanings.
Equity
recognises different people with different levels of advantage require different approaches and resources to get equitable health outcomes. This reflects the Manatū Hauora definition of health equity adopted by this policy. In the context of organisational equity, Te Kawa Mataaho / Public Service Commission defines equity as a fairer workplace with equitable pay and people practices.
Organisational equity
is defined as the relative distribution of power and resources among key internal organisational stakeholders, including directors, executives, managers, and employees. With frequent, careful audits, organisations can strategically begin making the interventions necessary for true equity. [1]
Pharmaceuticals
is defined in the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022. A pharmaceutical means a medicine, therapeutic medical device, or related product or related thing. It includes vaccines, generics and biosimilars or medical devices.
Population health
refers to understanding health outcomes between and within populations, including health inequity. It involves addressing the underlying causes of illness and strengthening the enablers of positive health outcomes to reduce inequity and achieve overall health gain, or pae ora.
Pro-Equity
Pharmac is actively working to become a more pro-equity organisation. A pro‑equity organisation is one that takes equity commitments seriously and demonstrates those commitments in day-to-day operations. This includes understanding health inequities in New Zealand and its causes, having organisation-wide goals, structures, systems, and processes designed to achieve equity, working in partnership with Māori and other populations with the worst health inequities.
Footnote
[1] https://kenaninstitute.unc.edu/kenan-insight/organizational-equity-your-missing-metric-for-success/(external link)