Government opts for additional consultation on National Medicines Policy (NMP) Review

24 March 2022: The Government has heeded the calls from Medicines Australia, patient groups, health bodies, and industry by extending the finalisation of the National Medicines Policy (NMP) Review until after the Federal election to allow further and more detailed consultation with stakeholders.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said the deferral decision by Health Minister Greg Hunt follows weeks of advocacy and direct discussions with the Minister and his office.

“We congratulate Minister Hunt for continuing his long-held practice of listening to stakeholders and having the courage to make bold decisions that are in the best interests of good health policy and the health of Australian patients,” Ms de Somer said.

“The NMP affects all Australians.

“Reforming and modernising the NMP, to keep pace with rapidly evolving scientific and medical advances, is too important to be rushed. It is central to the health of the nation – now and into the future,” she said.

Rare Cancers Australia CEO and Chair of the National Oncology Alliance, Richard Vines, agreed that more time and consultation is needed for patient groups.

“The NMP tells us how every Australian can access and use medicines, vaccines, and treatments. This is an extremely important document that has an impact on all of us, especially patients. We must get this right.

“Our thanks to Minister Hunt for allowing us the time to not only update the NMP but ensure that there is widespread agreement within the community on the vision it presents.

“A refreshed, future-focused NMP can provide the framework to enable the best outcomes for Australians living with serious diseases like rare cancers, now and into the future,” he said.

Ms de Somer said that stakeholders have supported the intent of the Review since it was announced by the Morrison Government in 2019.

“The NMP has held us in good stead for more than 20 years,” Ms de Somer said.

“The commitment to the Review demonstrates the Australian Government’s appetite to prepare our health system for the future.

“We thank Minister Hunt for his engagement with stakeholders and patients.

“The announcement of additional consultation time will place the NMP Review on a productive, collaborative path forward and we look forward to continuing our contribution.”

-ENDS-

For further information or media interviews, please contact:
Medicines Australia: Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au
Medicines Australia: John Flannery – 0419 494 761 / john.flannery@medicinesaustralia.com.au
Rare Cancers Australia: Casey Virgin – casey.virgin@rarecancers.org.au

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Read the media release from Minister Hunt about the NMP Review pause