Medicines Australia moves quickly to put HTA system reform high on new Government’s agenda

10 June 2022: Medicines Australia has moved quickly to ensure that major reform of Australia’s health technology assessment (HTA) system is high on the new Government’s agenda.

Since the election, Medicines Australia has written to key MPs and Senators reiterating the organisation’s election policy priorities, most notably the HTA Reform.

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, has discussed the major policy reforms being advocated by the medicines industry to improve patient access to new medicines in person with Health Minister Mark Butler and has this week followed up with his office.

Ms de Somer said it was important to get in early to explain the complexities and urgency of reforms already underway, including the National Medicines Policy, and the HTA Reform, due to commence from 1 July.

“We want to collaborate with Minister Butler to finalise the establishment of the HTA Review Reference Committee, including the appointment of an independent Chair,” Ms de Somer said.

“The Albanese Government has committed to the HTA Reform and the goal of reducing the length of time patients must wait to access new and innovative medicines, treatments, and vaccines – and the Committee will be driving this reform process to inform Government.

“The Committee’s first action will be to develop and consult on Terms of Reference for the HTA Reform.

“To assist this process and to support the Reference Committee’s tight schedule, Medicines Australia has collaborated with members and stakeholders to develop a first draft set of recommended terms of reference for the HTA Reform.

These are intended to be a ‘conversation starter’ with the Government, the Department, and other stakeholders, with the expectation that a broad stakeholder consultation on the draft terms of reference will follow in the coming weeks.

“The draft recommended terms of reference set the overarching vision for the HTA Reform and the partnership with Government, patients, clinicians, and other stakeholders to improve the patient journey, save lives, and improve quality of life for many Australians now and in the decades ahead.

“Previous Labor Governments have a history of introducing life-changing reforms to health care, including the introduction of the PBS in 1948, Medicare in 1984, and cigarette plain packaging in 2011. The HTA Reform is potentially of equal significance in delivering better health outcomes for all Australians.

“The HTA Review will undertake the first major reforms of the HTA system in 30 years. Modernising the system – with a clear focus on patient needs and heeding patient voices – to make it fit for purpose to serve future generations is well overdue.

“Medicines Australia looks forward to getting started on this important work with the Government, the Reference Committee, the Health Department, patient groups, and other key stakeholders.

The draft proposed terms of reference from Medicines Australia can be read here.

More information about the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Reform can be found here or you can watch a short video.

-ENDS-

For further information or media interviews, please contact:
Chrystianna Moran – 0424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au
John Flannery – 0419 494 761 / john.flannery@medicinesaustralia.com.au