Every week we read about people risking their lives to save another and all too often sacrificing their own life in their effort. An opportunity to save lives on a grand scale was passed over when the wonder drug Keytruda became available.

Although the drug is government-funded in Australia, the UK and other countries, our cash-strapped Pharmac would not fund it. Our government claims Pharmac operates at arms length. Our ministers must have the longest arms in the world but the old adage still applies – he who holds the purse strings holds the power.

At this point Prime Minister John Key, with no risk to his own life and no loss of face, heeded the polls. Campbell Live showed 82 per cent of Kiwis didn't want to change our flag – John could have pulled the plug on his ego trip flag referendum and transferred his taxpayers' $26 million to Pharmac.

This would have saved the lives of scores of advanced melanoma sufferers who are now condemned to an early grave because John would not lift a finger and wasted money on his flag referendum. I wonder if he will attend the funerals of these poor forgotten people and explain to their family his priority.

D Shiel, Matua