Pharmac will widen access to at least nine cancer drugs, including keytruda for the treatment of advanced melanoma, to reduce hospital visits and cut the risk of vulnerable patients catching Covid-19.
One senior oncologist praised Pharmac's swift response, although patient advocacy groups say cancer sufferers will need much more help during the pandemic.
Concerns include charity funding drying up, whether to continue with treatment that heavily suppresses the immune system and what level of care those with advanced cancer might get in a stressed health system.
Here's investigative journalist Guyon Espiner.
