Government and industry partnership key to future of PBS

Medicines Australian Chairman, Dr Martin Cross has welcomed ongoing collaboration between the pharmaceutical industry and Government in addition to further improvements to the Governments post-market review programme, which was announced today by the Minister for Health, the Hon Sussan Ley.

 “This framework for post-market reviews is the result of collaboration between the Government and Medicines Australia, through the reinvigorated Access to Medicines Working Group (AMWG) and demonstrates that partnerships are crucial in delivering predictability for the Australian medicines industry,” Dr Cross said.

 Post-market reviews are a formal approach to monitoring medicines listed on the PBS.  The programme aims to improve quality use of medicines, education for patients and prescribers, and ensure the cost-effectiveness and ongoing viability of the PBS.

 “The industry had grown increasingly frustrated over recent years with the ad-hoc approach to post-market reviews; and whilst there have been gradual process improvements, until now, no agreed overarching framework existed and there was limited transparency to their conduct,” Dr Cross said.

 Dr Cross further welcomed Minister Ley’s acknowledgement that successful outcomes can be achieved when Government and industry work together to solve a joint area of concern, and encouraged further work through the AMWG.

 “Medicines Australia has consistently shown over recent years that it can work constructively with the Government to ensure the sustainability of the PBS.”

 Dr Cross reiterated the Minister’s statements on collaboration.

 “The reinvigorated AMWG has demonstrated that this is a successful format and has established a strong process for working together to achieve mutual goals,” Dr Cross said.

 “What is needed now is for us to continue the momentum we have gained through the AMWG to ensure that medicines are rapidly listed on the PBS for the benefit of all Australians.”

 The AMWG will continue to address other issues of mutual concern for the industry and Government, including early access to new medicines through a Managed Access Programme, interpretation of section 99ACB of the National Health Act, and improving transparency of inputs and outputs to the PBS listing process.

-ENDS-

Contact Person:

Alexia Vlahos
Phone: (02) 6122 8503
Email:
 Alexia.Vlahos@medicinesaustralia.com.au