New focus on medicines policy welcomed

Medicines Australia Chief Executive Ian Chalmers today welcomed the Government’s establishment of a new advisory structure to support Australia’s National Medicines Policy.

Arrangements for the new structure were announced on Friday by the Minister for Health and Ageing, Nicola Roxon MP.

“I congratulate the Government on finalising the new advisory structure for the National Medicines Policy,” Mr Chalmers said.

“This initiative fills a vacuum which has existed since the Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Council and the Pharmaceutical Health and Rational Use of Medicines expert advisory committee were disbanded two years ago.

“The establishment of the new advisory structure will provide an important framework for taking medicines policy forward. It is a positive initiative by the Government and Medicines Australia looks forward to contributing to it.

“I particularly welcome the establishment of a Partnerships Forum. This will provide a valuable opportunity for stakeholder input to the development of medicines policy in Australia.

“I encourage the National Medicines Policy Committee to convene its first Partnerships Forum as early as possible.”

–ENDS–

Contact Person:

Jamie Nicholson
Media Communications Manager
Phone: 0419 220 293
Email:
 Jamie.Nicholson@medicinesaustralia.com.au