A landmark Bill to improve the access Australians have to new and innovative medicines, vaccines and treatments has been passed in Parliament.
The legislation, which formalises elements of the five-year Strategic Agreement signed by the Hon Greg Hunt MP and Medicines Australia, will ensure funding for new medicines in the PBS. As well as this, several new initiatives will help elevate patients, allowing them to become more engaged in key decision-making processes for the betterment of the overall health system.
The legislation, which formalises elements of the five-year Strategic Agreement signed by Hon Greg Hunt MP and Medicines Australia, will ensure funding for new medicines in the PBS
Elizabeth de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia, said, “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.”
