Despite controversy when it was released -- ethnic criteria for medicines has proven to be effective

Research from Waikato University shows more Maori and Pasifika people with diabetes were able to access medicine, due to the ethnicity criteria.

Maori and Pasifika people are at greater risk of death from the condition, and research has shown the policy broke barriers to seeing a GP, and paying for medicine.

Endocrinologist Dr Ryan Paul says he hopes PHARMAC take the research on board.

He says the authority should look at introducing the criteria for other medicines, for conditions where Maori and Pasific people don't fare as well.