MA welcomes announcement LSDP Expert Panel

Medicines Australia welcomes today’s announcement by Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP on the establishment of an expert panel for the Live Saving Drugs Programme (LSDP).

The LSDP currently provides subsidised access to patients with rare and life-threatening conditions to specialist medicines.

Changes to the LSDP – including the establishment of an expert panel – stem from an agreement the Government reached with Medicines Australia in January 2018, on behalf of medicines companies, to improve the administration of the programme.

Liz de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia congratulates the panel on their appointment.

“Dr Hobbs, as Chair of the LSDP Expert Panel brings a wealth of experience to the role. His experience as Deputy Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health and as Chair of the External Reference Group that developed Australia’s first national Primary Health Care Strategy – make him an ideal leader.

“Medicines Australia would also like to congratulate the other members of the six-member panel, including clinical experts Professor Jonathan Craig and Professor Elizabeth Elliott, health economist Adjunct Professor Jim Butler and consumer nominee Nicole Millis from Rare Voices Australia.

“The panel includes an industry nominated representative – Liliana Bulfone, who will ensure important industry factors are taken into account.

“The breadth of experience this panel possesses will ensure the ongoing support and evaluation of medicines and funding through the LSDP.”

“The LDSP reforms and Expert Panel will help bring certainty to a very important area of medicines access,” said Ms de Somer.

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More information – Natalie Wimmer  – Communications Manager – 0450728660 – nwimmer@medaus.com.au