Pharma industry thanks Minister Hunt for his leadership and partnership

Pharma News: Medicines Australia wishes to thank the Hon Greg Hunt MP for his service to Australian patients and the health industry, following his announcement to retire from Parliament at the next election.

Minister Hunt has been the Minister for Health and Aged Care since 2017 and has been an energetic and active Health Minister, not least in his leadership of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I have had the honour of working closely with Minister Hunt over the past four years, to achieve measures that assist Australian patients today and into the future,” said Dr Anna Lavelle, Chair of Medicines Australia.

“Despite the turmoil and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Minister Hunt has led with conviction and integrity. He has been an integral part of the biopharmaceutical industry’s response to the pandemic and most importantly, has shown great empathy and compassion for Australian patients.”

“On behalf of Medicines Australia and the Board, we thank Minister Hunt for his collaboration and extraordinary commitment, which has delivered health benefits for all Australians.”

Medicines Australia has delivered several landmark outcomes during Minister Hunt’s tenure, including the recently finalised five-year Strategic Agreement, which sets an ambitious plan for innovative medicines into the future.

“Minister Hunt leaves a lasting legacy, showing a deep commitment to Australian patients as the beneficiaries of our national health care compact. Whether announcing the listing of a new, innovative medicine, or working with industry and other stakeholders, the Minister’s passion and energy has been unmistakable. I am sincerely grateful for his leadership and partnership over the past few years and wish him all the best,” said Elizabeth de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia.

AstraZeneca’s leadership team also acknowledged the achievements of Health Minster Greg Hunt. Country President Liz Chatwin thanked him for his leadership and partnership during his tenure as Health Minister, particularly during the past two years in responding to the global COVID-19 pandemic.  

“Since becoming Health Minister in 2017, Minister Hunt has gone to great lengths to ensure he is accessible and available to leaders and key stakeholders  in the health sector, but it is his commitment, energy and leadership through the pandemic that will stand out in many people’s minds,” she said. 

“We have appreciated his willingness for open discussion, and importantly the partnership of the Minister and Government, as we have worked together to address the pandemic and ensure availability of our COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, to Australians and to neighbouring countries. Together with CSL we have enabled certainty of sovereign supply, underpinned by our global commitment to provide broad and equitable access at no profit during the pandemic.”  

Beyond the pandemic, Minister Hunt’s legacy extends to his support for mental health initiatives, rare diseases and lung disease, indigenous health, championing medical research through the Medical Research Future Fund, and of course negotiating the current Health Reform Agreement and Strategic Agreement with the pharmaceutical industry. 

Ms Chatwin said the entire team at AstraZeneca Australia, together with global CEO Pascal Soriot, wished Minister Hunt well for the future, and looked forward to working with the new Health Minister in due course.