Why New Zealand’s Limited Access to the Cochrane Library Raises Concerns

For nearly twenty years, all residents of New Zealand enjoyed free access to the Cochrane Library, a globally trusted resource providing independent and comprehensive health evidence. Recognized as the gold standard in health research, the Cochrane Library offers systematic reviews, summaries, and clinical trial data that inform everything from cancer treatments to mental health therapies. Its reviews are valued for their transparency and independence, free from commercial influence, making it an essential tool for clinicians, policymakers, and the public alike.

Recently, however, the New Zealand government has begun to restrict this access. During a restructuring of the country’s health system, the responsibility for funding the Cochrane Library was transferred from the Ministry of Health to Health New Zealand. This new entity has decided to reduce the license to a version limited solely to health professionals, excluding key organizations such as the drug-funding agency PHARMAC, the Accident Compensation Corporation, universities, and most notably, the general public.

This new licensing arrangement means everyday New Zealanders—who rely on these reviews to make informed health decisions—will lose free access. Last year, over 100,000 reviews were downloaded by New Zealanders, illustrating the library’s vital role in everyday health literacy. Limiting access risks creating a barrier between the public and reliable health information, echoing a past era where medical knowledge was confined to professionals.

In contrast, several other countries maintain national subscriptions to the Cochrane Library, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Finland, Ireland, Spain, and Canada. Middle-income nations also participate via international programs. For New Zealand, the costs of maintaining full access are relatively modest, especially considering the expansive benefits it provides.

The decision to downgrade access could undermine trust and equity in health information. It hampers the ability of patients, students, and policymakers to access trusted evidence, potentially impacting health outcomes. New Zealand was once a leader in health systems, and maintaining open access to the Cochrane Library would continue to support transparency, research, and informed decision-making.

Ultimately, keeping the library fully accessible aligns with New Zealand’s values of fairness and transparency. It supports better health outcomes by empowering individuals with evidence-based knowledge, and it reinforces New Zealand’s reputation as a country that values health equity and informed participation.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-cochrane-library-global-source-independent.html