Major parties committed to major medicines policy reform and reviews – whoever wins on Saturday
19 May 2022: Medicines Australia has been assured in official communications from the respective Campaign Headquarters that both the Coalition and Labor parties remain committed to pursuing much-needed major medicines policy reforms following this weekend’s election – whoever wins.
Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said that the organisation had written to the major parties asking for their guaranteed ongoing support to ensure major reform processes are ongoing regardless of the election outcome.
Ms de Somer said that the health and wellbeing of all Australians into the future were tied to successful outcomes of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review and the National Medicines Policy (NMP) Review, along with other negotiations around securing faster access to medicines for the Australian population.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown what can be achieved when people have rapid access to high quality, proven vaccines, medicines, and treatments,” Ms de Somer said.
“We must learn from this experience that the lessons learned extend to all medicines, especially new and emerging medicines, and treatments, to set us up for the challenges of future decades, including new pandemics and health emergencies.
“We can do better. We must do better.”
In formal responses received this week, the major parties have given assurances on the following:
Commitments made in the Strategic Agreement.
Accept the recommendations from the House of Representatives Inquiry.
Finalise the National Medicines Policy Review and commit to its vision and purpose.
Establish a high-level, Government-Industry, life sciences roundtable forum.
Discount rate adjustment for the health of future generations
17 May 2022: Medicines Australia has released a video detailing the need for Australia to adjust its discount rate for medicines, vaccines and treatments.
A discount rate reflects what value Australia places on the nation’s future health compared to present health outcomes. Australia hasn’t changed its discount rate in 30 years and is falling behind other countries like the UK, France and Canada. Which have all adjusted their discount rates to economically more highly value medicines and treatments that provide ongoing and long-lasting benefits.
Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said that medicines that have a long-term benefit like vaccines are not prioritised when it comes to funding support.
“Currently in Australia, medicines that deliver an immediate or short-term benefit have a higher funding priority than those that don’t,” Ms de Somer said.
“As a society, we must treat all these medicines; medicines that save lives, extend lives, and protect quality of life – more equally.
“Our high discount rate is ignoring the health needs of our future generations.
“A lower discount rate will recognise the value of preventative treatments and cures – and speed up access to them.
“The next Government must implement a lower discount rate.”
Medicines Australia has outlined the health priorities for the next Government in a series of videos which are being released each week of the Federal Election campaign.
Next Health Minister must restart the National Medicines Policy Review
10 May 2022: Medicines Australia has released a video outlining the importance of restarting the National Medicines Policy Review as soon as a new Government is elected.
The National Medicines Policy (NMP) tells us how every Australian can access and use medicines, vaccines, and treatments. The NMP applies to medicines research, development, regulation, manufacturing, supply, and access to medicines.
Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said the NMP Review is the first time the policy has been reviewed in more than 20 years.
“The Morrison Government commenced a review of the NMP – but this was paused until after the Federal election following calls from many stakeholders who needed more time to provide input into the Review.
“The National Medicines Policy affects all Australians and especially our future generations.
“We will urge the next Government and the new Minister for Health to restart the review with a more consultative approach.
“The Government must listen to industry, medical and public health experts and organisations, clinicians, patient groups, and the public – the patients themselves.
“The new National Medicines Policy must be a priority for the next Government.
Major reforms such as NMP Review and the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review will likely be topics of discussion in a roundtable debate this week on Australia’s health system.
Hosted by well-respected senior health journalist, Sue Dunlevy of the Daily Telegraph, Ms de Somer will join a panel of health leaders at 8pm on 12 May AEST to discuss the Federal Election and the health policies that need urgent attention.
Medicines Australia has outlined the health priorities for the next Government in a series of videos which are being released each week of the Federal Election campaign.
Award winners recognised in pharmaceutical industry education course
4 May 2022: Winners from across Australia’s pharmaceutical industry have been announced for the Medicines Australia Continuing Education Program (CEP) Awards. The CEP Awards recognise individuals who have shown an exceptional understanding of the importance of upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity.
Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said the CEP Awards recognised the hard work and achievements of students who completed the online course last year through the University of Tasmania (UTAS).
“The award winners for 2021 are a strong example of the pharmaceutical industry’s commitment to training and supporting medical representatives, who play an integral role in being a key contact between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals.
“Congratulations to the Award recipients who have been duly recognised for their exceptional dedication in completing the 2021 CEP course. Their combined knowledge will be an asset to their organisations and to our health system as a whole,” Ms de Somer said.
The CEP course educates pharmaceutical company representatives to a high ethical standard so they can provide healthcare professionals with accurate, balanced information to support the quality use of medicines.
The Awards include the UTAS Prize for Excellence Award, the Code of Conduct Award and the CEP Achievement Award.
Rachael Bevan, recipient of the Code of Conduct Award, said “It was a lovely surprise to receive this award, as this is my first role in industry, and my first time undertaking the course. I was fortunate to take a lot away from Program 1 – in particular, it was really valuable to reflect on each module and consider its application in my work. It has given me the opportunity to consolidate my knowledge of the Code and confidently implement its principles in my day-to-day activities.”
Medicines Australia congratulates the following award winners;
Rachael Bevan – Code of Conduct Award (2021)
Rachael, employed by Biogen Australia, achieved the highest mark for Program 1 (The Medicines Australia Code of Conduct).
Daniella Samaila, of GSK, and Samantha Wicks, of AstraZeneca – won the University of Tasmania Prize for Excellence Award (Semesters 1 and 2 respectively)
The following 10 students won a 2021 CEP Achievement Award, achieving the 10 highest aggregate marks for the majority of the core programs:
Abraam Gerguis, Eli Lilly, formerly of FarmaForce
Christopher Lems, Boehringer Ingelheim
Claudio Sadek, Bayer
Daniella Samaila, GSK
Jess De Laurent, Hahn Healthcare
Juanita Kidd, Allergan Australia
Madeline Rapisardi, formerly of Novartis
Manjit Singh, Bayer, formerly of iNova Pharmaceuticals
Megan Jefferys, AstraZeneca, and
Nikki Pride, AstraZeneca .
The CEP Program is offered online through the University of Tasmania, with 2022 Semester One enrolment closing on 6 May 2022. Awards for the 2022 CEP Program will be announced in early 2023. More on the CEP program is on the Medicines Australia website, along with information about the Award specifics.
A video which features some of the Award winners is available here. Photos of some of the Award Winners can be downloaded here.
Transcript: ABC Radio Adelaide on the PBS co-payment
Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer on Afternoons with Sonya Feldhoff ABC Radio Adelaide, Tuesday 3 May 2022
Transcript: Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer on Afternoons with Sonya Feldhoff ABC Radio Adelaide, Tuesday 3 May 2022
Subject: PBS co-payment
HOST, SONYA FELDHOFF: We were talking yesterday – both of the major parties have offered incentives in reductions to medicines being offered on the PBS scheme. Yesterday we were talking about this, and it was roundly welcomed and seemed like a great idea – that it might be a big saver. But will you actually benefit? Elizabeth de Somer is the CEO of Medicines Australia. Thank you for your time, Elizabeth.
ELIZABETH DE SOMER: Thank you for having me.
SONYA: How many medications that most people – I guess you can’t say how many – but what sort of percentage of medications that people are on, would fit into that over $42.50 PBS bracket?
ELIZABETH: The kind of medicines that are more expensive to the general co-payment above $42.50 are many of the new innovative medicines. A lot of them are medicines that you might receive from a specialist to treat particularly difficult diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Those kinds of diseases that are quite complex and are attracting very new, innovative treatment regimes.
SONYA: And so, if we’re just talking about blood pressure or cholesterol or the contraceptive pill – those things that people take en masse and relatively frequently – those are what, already subsidised or already at a much lower price?
ELIZABETH: Yes – for many, many years the pharmaceutical industry has been working collaboratively with the Government to maintain access to those innovative medicines. But once a patent expires and there’s multiple brands of medicines, the prices come down quite significantly. And the majority of those medicines where there are multiple brands available, they are achievable at quite low prices now.
SONYA: We were kind of celebrating these promises from the election campaign from the major parties yesterday. I think most of us had the view that this would be quite wide ranging. Can you quantify how many people are likely to benefit from this?
ELIZABETH: Gosh, I think the actual numbers are probably available – a bit of data crunching to do – but I think it’s quite a small amount of people – probably 10% of people who are taking those more expensive medicines. For example, I take a number of those medicines for Rheumatoid arthritis and so somebody like me would be paying the $42.50 per prescription and would welcome a $10 or $12.50 cut to that. But if you are an older person or are a person who has already gone below that co-pay, you can get access to those medicines from a range of places, not just your retail pharmacy – your discount chemist as well. Shop around for the best price.
SONYA: I saw a figure that around – this would only impact only 3% of people who are taking those medications. Does that sound about right to you?
ELIZABETH: I think the important thing is that these are still very important medicines, and these innovations need to be made available to people. The benefit for those people is very real and they should be welcomed. There are a number of new medicines that need to be made available to patients and the most important thing is that people shouldn’t have to wait or make choices about not taking their medicines because they’re not affordable.
SONYA: Elizabeth, could this have gone further? Could these promises have gone further? Is there scope to help people more with some of those medications you’re talking about?
ELIZABETH: Our focus has really been on the time it takes to access those medicines. Medicines that are already available, obviously reducing the cost-of-living burden for people is really, really important. But there are a range of innovative treatments that people are waiting for that have been assessed as safe and effective, and have been assessed as cost effective, that are still not being made available to patients who need them. So, our focus is on reducing the time to access.
SONYA: It just struck me then if we’re seeing the Government bear more of the cost and consumers not, in terms of some of these medicines, is there any chance that that would flow on to a bit of a backlog on new medicines to come on the PBS because those costs that are being shouldered by the government are now greater?
ELIZABETH: Well, I read an article today and we’ve seen that over successive agreements between the pharmaceutical industry and the Commonwealth Government – the price of medicines and the cost of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) have been pretty much flat or declining in real terms. So, there’s certainly headroom and availability for the spending on medicines to increase to be made available for patients when they need them. There’s no real reason why patients should be waiting.
SONYA: Any medication, specifically that you’re thinking about Elizabeth?
ELIZABETH: Without naming specific medicines, we’ve seen some amazing new technologies and new innovative treatment therapies come in to treat cancers, to treat chronic diseases and genetic disorders, and really, once the regulator has determined that they’re high quality, safe and effective, that they are cost effective, that they are value for money – they should be made immediately available to the patients who need them. Many patients who are waiting for these treatments don’t have the luxury of time, and their health deteriorates while they wait.
What is the HTA Review and why is it important for Australia’s health system?
3 May 2022: Medicines Australia has released its fourth video in its Federal Election series, explaining the upcoming independent review of Australia’s Health Technology Assessment (HTA) system – the first of its kind in nearly 30 years.
Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said the HTA Review, which starts in July, will support a new era of healthcare for our nation.
“Currently in our health system, the HTA directs government funding to health technologies that are relevant, cost effective, and safe.
“It applies to pharmaceuticals such as vaccines, diagnostic tests, medical procedures, and public health interventions.
“The main purpose of the HTA is to inform health policy decision-makers to ensure the Australian health system is equipped to meet the demands – and embrace the new medicines and technologies – for future generations.
“Right now, patients wait too long to access new and innovative medicines.
“The HTA Review aims to reduce time to access for Australian patients so that they can access new health technologies as early as possible and to ensure Australia’s HTA system evolves to keep pace with advancements in medical technologies.
The HTA Review has bipartisan support and is a key part of the five-year Strategic Agreement signed between Medicines Australia and the Federal Government last year.
“The HTA Review must be one of the main priorities for the next Government,” Ms de Somer said.
Affordable medicines just the tip of the iceberg for equitable access for all Australians
2 May 2022: Medicines Australia welcomes the commitments from both major parties to cut costs to medical scripts by lowering the PBS co-payment.
The Coalition on Saturday announced that, if elected, it would lower the Maximum Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) co-payment from $42.50 to $32.50. On Sunday, Labor said, if elected, it would lower the co-payment even further to $30.00.
Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said cuts to the PBS co-payment would help many Australians who are feeling the pressures of the cost of living, but it is just the tip of the iceberg for improving equitable access to medicines.
“Every Australian should have affordable and fast access to new and innovative medicines, vaccines, and treatments.
“Bipartisan support for lowering the PBS co-payment shows a commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of all Australians.
“While these commitments will help patients access existing medicines listed on the PBS, thousands of Australian patients are still waiting for new and innovative medicines to become available.
“The average time for a cancer treatment to be listed on the PBS is nearly 500 days, despite it being approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and a majority of those treatments already available in other countries.
“Many patients who are waiting for innovative treatments do not have the luxury of time.
Ms de Somer said this weekend’s announcements and bipartisan approach bodes well if it is replicated in other key areas of health system reform to improve time to access medicines.
“Patients are the winners when the major parties head in the right direction on health policy,” Ms de Somer said.
“Good health policy comes from genuine consultation with key stakeholders and heeding the voice of health consumers – the patients.
“Medicines Australia looks forward to working with the next Government on major reforms such as the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review and the ongoing review of the National Medicines Policy (NMP).
“These vital processes will help strengthen the Australian health system to make sure all Australians have fast access to new and innovative medicines as soon as they are approved and safe.
“They will also prepare us to respond to future health crises, such as inevitable pandemics.
“We hope the spirit of bipartisanship on health policy and health reform extends beyond election day,” Ms de Somer said.
Medicines Australia will closely examine the health platforms of the major parties to assess the impacts on patients and members.
Health consumer leader built strong partnerships across the health sector
27 April 2022: Medicines Australia pays tribute to Leanne Wells as CEO of the Consumers Health Forum (CHF) and the outstanding contribution she made advocating for health consumers and lifting the patient voice for more than seven years.
Ms Wells will end her successful tenure at the CHF in August.
Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said that Ms Wells has built partnerships across the health sector during her leadership of CHF and has always been open and transparent.
“Medicines Australia and the Consumers Health Forum, led by Leanne, have worked collaboratively on several new and existing projects to improve the patient experience,” Ms de Somer said.
“The Working Together Guide, was first developed in partnership in 2005, and updated in 2008 and 2015, and is currently going through another update to ensure it stays fit-for- purpose in the ever-changing health environment.
“CHF is also a member of the Continuity of Care Collaboration (CCC).
“The CCC is an Australian-first collaboration of peak bodies, industry, and healthcare organisations that stresses the importance of people continuing to monitor their health and maintain their regular care during COVID-19.
“The group represents stakeholders across the healthcare system, including physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and patient organisations. Leanne and the CHF have made an enormous contribution to these efforts.
“The new Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) template was developed through usability testing with consumers, including the CHF, with input from other key stakeholders, including Medicines Australia.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, many patient organisations did not understand the complexity of the medicine and vaccine supply chain in Australia.
“In another successful collaboration, Medicines Australia and the CHF hosted a roundtable with patient group leads and patients to provide a baseline overview on the medicines supply chain in Australia, particularly as there were concerns raised during the pandemic.
“Medicines Australia has enjoyed working closely with Leanne and the CHF over many years, especially throughout the challenges of the pandemic.
“Leanne has been a champion for Australia’s health consumers and for a better health system, and it has been a pleasure, both professionally and personally, to work alongside her,” Ms de Somer said.
Patient voice and experience must be part of the Government’s decision-making when funding medicines
27 April 2022: Medicines Australia today released the third instalment in its Federal Election social media campaign, with the latest video stressing the importance for governments to incorporate the patient voice and experience when developing health policy, including when funding medicines.
Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said the campaign is designed to increase awareness of the importance of policy reform to the major parties and the community to ensure all Australians have improved access to medicines when they need them.
“Our members discover, develop, and manufacture prescription medicines, biotherapeutics, and vaccines that contribute to a happy and healthy Australia,” Ms de Somer said.
“Our members also invest in Australian medical research and take local discoveries and developments around the world.
“We are led by science, innovation, technology, and research. It is at the heart of our policy and collaborative work.
“And importantly, thanks to patient support groups, we can hear first-hand the voices and experiences of patients.
“We believe that understanding the patients’ perspective in navigating treatment is critical in improving the system as a whole.
“Patients bring invaluable and unique personal knowledge and experience of living with a condition.
“Patient representatives are making sure that their voices and the voices of their communities are heard.
“They explain how diseases impact them and what really matters to them, their families, and their carers.
“Listening to patient experiences, understanding their challenges, and exchanging insights is critical.
“We believe this knowledge must be a core part of the Government’s decision-making when funding medicines.
“All Australian families, no matter their culture, language, or background, deserve fast access to the best medicines, vaccines, and treatments.
“Medicines save lives. Medicines matter. Patient voices matter,” Ms de Somer said.
21 April 2022: Medicines Australia has launched a social media campaign to highlight key policy issues for the election campaign and to help educate all Australians about how rapid access to medicines is a core part of Australia’s world-class health system.
Medicines Australia will be releasing a new video and linked social media posts each week of the six-week Federal election campaign as a precursor to ongoing education and information about why medicines matter to the Australian population.
Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said the rapid rollout of vaccines and other health measures that have saved lives and protected lives throughout the COVID-19 pandemic have shown clearly that more people have a greater understanding of the importance of access to medicines when people need them most.
“A lot of health policy, especially medicines policy, is complex and hard to understand for people outside the industry,” Ms de Somer said.
“We are using the election campaign initially to roll out simple messages on social media to demystify some of the key policies that affect all Australians now and into the future.
“The new Government after 21 May will have major medicines policies to deal with from day one, including the National Medicines Policy (NMP), the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review, and the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our aim is to educate the public, the broader health sector, stakeholders, the media, and politicians about how vital it is for Australian patients to have faster access to new medicines and treatments.
“People need to know more about the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) and PBAC (Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee) processes in the same way they are informed about Medicare, hospitals, and primary care.
“They are all pillars of the health system.
“This knowledge will empower patients to ask questions about their treatments and make more informed choices.
“Medicines save lives and Australians deserve access to medicines that improve our quality of life and restore health. Medicines matter.”
