register

News & Trends - Pharmaceuticals

Medicines Australia CEO voices pharma sector priorities ahead of election

Health Industry Hub | January 30, 2025 |

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 HubTM is the only one-stop-hub uniting the diversity of the Pharma, MedTech, Diagnostics & Biotech sectors to inspire meaningful change.

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


News & Trends - Pharmaceuticals

New combination therapy improves survival rates for Aussies with advanced prostate cancer

New combination therapy improves survival rates for Aussies with advanced prostate cancer

Health Industry Hub | February 14, 2025 |

A world-first treatment approach has demonstrated significant advancements in the management of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) compared to conventional […]

More


News & Trends - Pharmaceuticals

'Don't just learn what illness is, learn what it feels like,' Dr Ben Bravery

‘Don’t just learn what illness is, learn what it feels like,’ Dr Ben Bravery

Health Industry Hub | February 14, 2025 |

With the iconic Sydney Harbour as a backdrop, the Merck Healthcare team came together for a dynamic and engaging kick-off […]

More


News & Trends - MedTech & Diagnostics

GE HealthCare, Lumus Imaging and GenesisCare unite to bring advanced technology to patients

GE HealthCare, Lumus Imaging and GenesisCare unite to bring advanced technology to patients

Health Industry Hub | February 14, 2025 |

GE HealthCare and Lumus Imaging have joined forces to enhance medical care in Sydney’s Campbelltown region, unveiling a state-of-the-art imaging […]

More


News & Trends - MedTech & Diagnostics

World-First mobile CT for regional healthcare

World-First mobile CT for regional healthcare

Health Industry Hub | February 14, 2025 |

An Australian X-ray technology company developing a world-first full-body mobile CT following the award of an up to US$16.4m (A$25m) […]

More


This content is copyright protected. Please subscribe to gain access.