MA hails coalition policies
February 1, 2013
MEDICINES Australia yesterday
congratulated the federal
opposition for its “commitment to
restoring transparency, certainty
and confidence” to the process for
listing medines on the PBS.
The move came as politicians
kicked off a marathon election
campaign, with the national poll set
to be held in Sep this year.
MA cited the Coalition’s ‘Real
Solutions for All Australians’
document, which includes a
promise to ensure medicines are
listed on the basis of advice from
the independent PBAC rather than
“on the whim of Government”.
“The listing process has suffered a
loss of some confidence, with
Cabinet interference in PBAC
decisions and difficulties in getting
a number of new medicines listed,”
said MA ceo Brendan Shaw.
“Restoring confidence and
certainty to that process is critical
for patients and for industry”.
The Coalition manifesto also
includes commitments to maintain
health and medical research
funding, along with encouraging an
innovative economy.
“The medicines industry in
Australia makes a significant
contribution to the health and
wealth of the nation, but business
certainty and stability is
paramount,” Shaw added.
He said the policy commitments
will help the sector, which exports
$4b a year, to continue growing its
contribution to the economy.
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