Strengthening patient access to new medicines through new landmark Bill
2 December 2021: Australians will see improved access to new and innovative medicines, vaccines and treatments as a landmark Bill passes in Parliament today.
The recently legislated laws will ensure funding for new medicines in the PBS, as well as several new initiatives that elevate Australian patients and their real-life experiences. Patients becoming more engaged in key decision-making processes is a progressive step forward that will benefit our whole health system. Involving more patients to share their real-world evidence will place a higher value on medicines and treatments that give patients better quality of life and improved health outcomes.
The new legislation formalises elements of the five-year Strategic Agreement, which was signed by the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, and Medicines Australia in September this year.
“Medicines Australia was pleased to see this legislation pass on the last sitting day of the year,” said Elizabeth de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia. “At the centre of our Strategic Agreement are Australian patients, who will benefit from having fast access to new and innovative medicines and technologies, such as gene and cell therapies.”
“This legislation has received a high level of bipartisan support and is an important piece in the stable footing of the PBS. It signals sustainability and predictability for the biopharmaceutical industry here in Australia and places a priority on new and innovative medicines through guaranteed funding.”
“We will continue to work closely with the Government and the Department of Health as the Bill is implemented to ensure patients continue to receive the medicines they need when they need them.”
The Medicines Australia Strategic Agreement includes many pioneering initiatives such as the independent HTA review, enhanced consumer engagement in the PBAC and a first-ever horizon scanning forum so Australia is best placed to take advantage of the latest and greatest biopharmaceutical advances that are on the cusp of discovery.
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Media contact: Chrystianna Moran
+61424 995 118 / chrystianna.moran@medicinesaustralia.com.au