New strategic agreement between Medicines Industry and Government means stronger patient involvement in new medicines.
Medicines Australia has secured a 5-year Strategic Agreement with the Federal Government, centered on earlier patient involvement and influence in the availability of new medicines in Australia.
In a major step forward, the Agreement ensures patients will become fundamental contributors to the first independent review of Australia’s Health Technology Assessment (HTA) system in nearly 30 years. The HTA system reviews new medicines and technologies before they are made available in Australia.
“This Agreement firmly demonstrates the Government and industry’s shared goal of ensuring patient voices are heard earlier and new medicines are accessed faster. It is critical we capture patients’ experiences and realise the benefits of quickly evolving medicines and new technologies,” said Elizabeth de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia.
A new process will incorporate patients’ views and experiences early in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) assessment of medicines to be funded on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Earlier involvement will help to make the full value of new medicines clear, in terms of what is important to patients. The enhanced consumer engagement is expected to improve efficiencies in PBAC decisions and create faster access to lifesaving medicines and treatments.
A further benefit for patients is a commitment in the Agreement to identify major advances in healthcare in future years through improved horizon scanning. This will be achieved in consultation with Government, industry and patients, and ensure Australia’s healthcare system can adequately prepare for changes ahead of time.
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State of Private Hospitals sector in Australia
During Mr Roff’s working career at APHA he has represented the private hospitals sector to nine different Federal Health Ministers and eight Prime Ministers. He believes the government should take steps to regulate the health insurance industry to protect consumers and ensure that Australians have access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare services.
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Belonging in a medical device company
Edith de Boer is the HR Director for Zimmer Biomet in Australia and New Zealand. Her career originally was in telecommunications and consulting in Europe. After leaving The Netherlands, Edith worked into the Australian medical research industry, before moving into a human resources role at Zimmer Biomet. Edith spoke to Australian Health Journal about her role and the organisation.
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Landmark Australian-led study revises thresholds to diagnose and treat anaemia
In 2014, WEHI researchers began a study at the request of the World Health Organization (WHO), to formally review its global anaemia guidelines that were last updated in 1968.
Study lead and Acting WEHI Deputy Director, Professor Sant-Rayn Pasricha, speaking to Australian Health Journal said while anaemia can be diagnosed by measuring the amount of haemoglobin in the blood, there is currently no consensus on the thresholds that should be used to define the condition.
