Medicines Australia CEO voices pharma sector priorities ahead of election

As election debates intensify, Liz de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia, unpacks the challenges gripping the healthcare system and unveils the pharmaceutical sector’s key priorities.

Speaking in the pre-election Health Industry Hub interview series, de Somer addressed recent data indicating that access to “quality, affordable” healthcare ranks as the second most pressing concern for Australians. She delved into whether this priority aligns with the Labor government’s current agenda or if there is a potential disconnect.

“Although we have seen some measures aimed at health, we don’t think that they go far enough,” de Somer remarked.

Turning to policy gaps and regulatory challenges, de Somer pinpointed major impediments to accessing innovative medicines and vaccines. These barriers, she argued, directly hinder the delivery of optimal patient care.

“We have quite onerous processes…There are recommendations in the HTA Review report that are focused on making Australia an attractive destination for cutting edge innovations,” she explained.

Reflecting on recent health reforms under the Labor government, de Somer offered a mixed perspective, particularly expressing disappointment with the feedback from the PBAC and MSAC Chairs regarding the HTA Report recommendations.

“I’m always disappointed when I hear these professionals who are highly regarded putting cost containment ahead of patient access,” she stated.

On the broader issue of rising healthcare expenditure and a Federal budget projected to remain in deficit for the next decade, de Somer addressed the critical question of whether increased investment in innovative medical technologies are delivering proportional gains in health outcomes and productivity.

Looking ahead to the election, de Somer outlined Medicines Australia’s priorities, emphasising the 3-year implementation plan for the HTA Review.

In reimagining healthcare across the entire patient journey, Health Industry Hub^TM is the only one-stop-hub uniting the diversity of the Pharma, MedTech, Diagnostics & Biotech sectors to inspire meaningful change.

The Health Industry Hub^TM content is copyright protected. Access is available under individual user licenses. Please click here to subscribe and visit T&Cs here.