Specialist advisory committees

Last updated

15 October 2024 | Reproductive and Sexual Health Advisory Committee membership updated

9 October 2024 | Link to agenda for October 2024 Cancer Treatment Advisory Committee meeting added

8 October 2024 | Record of July 2022 Reproductive and Sexual Health Advisory Committee added 

1 October 2024 | Committee memberships updated.

About specialist advisory committees

Pharmac’s specialist advisory committees provide Pharmac with objective specialist knowledge and expertise within specific clinical areas, such as diabetes, cancer, and mental health. They meet as needed to discuss issues within their clinical areas.

The specialist advisory committees have a different, but complementary, role from PTAC. Their expertise and perspectives can differ from PTAC. 

PTAC and specialist advisory committees may make recommendations to Pharmac that differ from each other when looking at the same evidence. Pharmac considers the recommendations provided by all our clinical advisory committees when assessing applications.

Members of specialist advisory committees are appointed by the Pharmac board. They are not Pharmac employees, but we do pay for their travel and time. 

Note: before November 2021, specialist advisory committees were called Subcommittees.

Read the specialist advisory committee terms of reference