NPS MedicineWise will cease to exist on 31 Dec, but its legacy will live on, the organisation's CEO, Katherine Burchfield, believes.
Writing in the organisation's 2022 annual report, Burchfield said there was "much to celebrate" despite the disappointment of the Federal Government's decision to go ahead with plans to defund NPS MedicineWise.
"When I joined NPS MedicineWise in Oct 2021, I could see that the organisation was playing a valuable and valued role in the Australian health sector," she said.
"There was an unquestionable need for continued focus on the quality use of medicines (QUM) and other technologies nationally and NPS MedicineWise had a strong, unique capability and impact," she said.
"I was expecting some challenges, but it turned out to be a more challenging year than anyone anticipated.
"In Mar 2022, the organisation lost its Federal Government funding without warning, midway through a review of the National Medicines Policy.
"After unsuccessfully advocating with Government for a reversal of this move, the decision was made to wind up the organisation after 24 years of service to Australian health professionals and consumers.
"The programs that NPS MedicineWise has delivered this year have been among the most valued and impactful in its history.
"Our track record demonstrates the success of this approach in achieving national policy objectives, improved prescribing and health outcomes, consumers as partners in their health care, and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and Medicare Benefits Schedule sustainability."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 17 Nov 22
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