Controversial Pharmac CEO Sarah Fitt resigns

Pharmac CEO Sarah Fitt has resigned, marking the third departure of a health agency leader in just three weeks. Fitt’s tenure was marked by controversy, with critics accusing her of fostering a culture of contempt and disregard for patients at the country’s drug funding agency. Among those calling for her resignation was Malcolm Mulholland from Patient Voice Aotearoa.

Fitt has had a turbulent time as CEO since 2018, with repeated calls for her resignation.

They were perhaps at a height in 2023 when emails released to journalist Rachel Smalley under the Official Information Act revealed what critics called a “sneering and contemptuous” tone among some Pharmac staff.

Fitt had sent an email with the subject line “Sigh….” about a Smalley column about cancer patients who would have died if they relied on the public health system.

One of her staff members had joked about making Smalley cry.

Patients, along with Ruth Spearing, a CLL Trustee and haematologist with 30 years’ experience, were among those calling for Sarah Fitt’s resignation. They had no doubt Fitt needed to go, accusing her of being out of touch with their experiences.

In a recent interview with Lisa Owen, Mulholland shared his perspective on Fitt’s leadership and the growing demand for change within Pharmac. Listen to the interview here: Pharmac CEO Sarah Fitt Resigns