MEDICINES Australia (MA) has called upon the Federal Government to prioritise investment in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to improve access to all cancer medicines.
The Senate Select Committee report put forward 25 recommendations that MA says "reveal the challenges Australia faces" around access to medicines.
The recommendations cover clinical trial awareness, access and approvals for treatment, improving early detection and identification, repurposing existing medicines, fast-tracking innovative treatments and the utilisation of genomic research, patient care, costs, and navigation through the disease processes.
Highlighting that there are challenges on both the industry and government sides around funding, MA ceo Milton Catelin said, "We understand the challenge this presents for governments now and in the future, but at some stage we all have to concede that more money is needed and the access to these sometimes life-saving treatments is worth it.
"However, you need to ensure enough money is invested in the PBS going forward to pay for these treatments."
Catelin said MA also strongly supported the Senate Committee's call to harmonise, streamline and better fund clinical trials.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 01 Dec 17
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 01 Dec 17
