An expert says the Government should aim for the best drugs available -- not be tied to an old list

National pledged to fund 13 cancer drugs during the election campaign, but didn't allocate any money in last week's Budget.

The Prime Minister says an announcement on treatments will be made this year.

Otago University Cancer Medicine Professor, Chris Jackson, says the list was based on what Australia has - that we don't.

He says it didn't take such things as cost into account.

Jackson says he would prefer outlining how much money there is to spend, and letting Pharmac do their ranking and get the best deals.