Medicines Australia welcomes Government’s COVID-19 package
Medicines Australia welcomes Government’s COVID-19 package
Medicines Australia welcomes the $2.4 billion COVID-19 health package announced by the Prime Minister Scott Morrison yesterday.
Medicines Australia CEO Elizabeth de Somer said the comprehensive assistance package will help Australian researchers to be at the forefront of the drive to develop both treatments and a vaccine.
“The government has recognised the importance of supporting research in this critical area, with an allocation of $30 million from the Medical Research Future Fund for vaccine, anti-viral and respiratory medicine research,” said Ms de Somer.
“Medicines Australia and our members are actively working with researchers on a range of initiatives involved in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and vaccination against coronavirus (COVID-19) both domestically and globally.
“As an industry, and individually we are also working with the Government, Department of Health and the TGA to ensure vaccination or treatment options can be brought to those who need them quickly and efficiently,” added Ms de Somer.
The government has also allocated funding towards adding additional antibiotics and anti-virals to the National Medicines Stockpile to ensure secondary infections can be treated quickly
“This, however, is not a reflection of the current medicines supply situation in Australia but will ensure we have good stocks going forward,” said Ms de Somer.
“The impact of significant national crises does place pressure on such things as the medicines supply chain, particularly as Australia relies heavily on importation of medicines and domestic manufacturing is limited, but Australia has a very robust medicines supply chain.
“Medicines Australia and the medicines industry is actively working with the Government and the TGA to ensure that this supply chain remains uninterrupted.
“There is no need to stockpile medicines, doing so could create artificial perception of a shortage where there is not one,” added Ms de Somer.
– Ends –
More information – Natalie Wimmer 0450728660 nwimmer@medaus.com.au