BMS Summit expands on PharmAus debate, champions universal patient access to novel medicines

Pharma News: Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) Australia is hosting its second annual BMS Patient and Parliament Summit, set to occur on October 17 and 18, 2023. Building on the triumph of the inaugural event, this Summit will gather key stakeholders, policymakers, and thought leaders to tackle the vital issue of universal patient access to transformative medicines.

Under the theme “Medicines for All,” this initiative underscores the commitment of Bristol Myers Squibb to ensure that every Australian has fair and unobstructed access to innovative healthcare solutions. This aspiration is particularly pertinent as it aligns with the ongoing Australian health technology (HTA) assessment review. The Summit aims to shed light on the crucial role patients can play in shaping the nation’s health landscape regarding access to medicines.

Hayley Andersen, Head of Advocacy & Policy at BMS, emphasised “Truly effective reform of our healthcare system requires the active involvement and insights of those it serves – the patients. By facilitating direct discourse between patients and policymakers, we can ensure that healthcare policies are not only evidence-based but also reflective of the diverse needs and experiences of Australian patients. We hope to promote transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in healthcare decision making to unlock universal patient access in the future.”

At Medicines Australia’s PharmAus meeting in Parliament House last month, Dr Mike Freelander MP, Member for Macarthur and a respected paediatrician emphasised the need for a holistic approach to healthcare in the 21st century.

“We are now in the 21st century, and our systems need to change if we are to keep pace as one of the leading health systems in the world,” Dr Freelander stated.

His insights extended to the complexities of the healthcare landscape, highlighting issues such as access to clinical trials and tax incentives for research. He argued that a comprehensive approach is essential, noting the 31 recommendations presented in The New Frontier report unveiled in November 2021, which is still awaiting a response from the government.

At BMS’ Summit, a seminar will be focused on the pressing challenges pertaining to early access to medicines and the prospects for reform through the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review process. Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, Dr Nick Coatsworth, former Deputy Chief Health Minister, Richard Vines, Founder and Chair of Rare Cancers Australia, and Liz de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia, will be in attendance.

Hosted by the Parliamentary Friends of Medicine and the Patient Voice Initiative, a luncheon will delve into the significance of the patient voice in the Australian health system. An invaluable platform will be provided for patients to share their lived experiences with their Federal Members of Parliament, underlining how timely access to innovative medicines has profoundly impacted their lives.

Additionally, bringing together the leaders of 20 Australian patient organisations, the Shaping Healthcare Together Annual Roundtable will delve into key issues regarding consumer/patient engagement and the HTA review.

Building on the recent PharmAus conference, BMS’ Patient and Parliament Summit brings together stakeholders, policymakers, and thought leaders to deliberate on opportunities for system reform aimed at enhancing patient access to medicines and better recognising patient values in the eyes of decision makers.

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