Stakeholders relieved at government decision to delay National Medicines Policy Review

Pharma News: The Government has finally heeded the calls from key stakeholders by extending the finalisation of the National Medicines Policy (NMP) Review until after the Federal election to allow additional consultation with key stakeholders.

Many stakeholders including the Australian Medical Association (AMA) called for an extension on the National Medicines Policy Review once the draft consultation document was released a few weeks ago. “While positive developments were made, in general the lack of meaningful governance and reporting mechanisms mean this policy is not yet ready. The AMA supports the calls to complete this policy Review after the upcoming Federal election to ensure it is not rushed.”

Jessica Bean, President of Patient Voice Initiative (PVI) told Health Industry Hub recently “We acknowledge the process might take longer and be harder, but Australians, especially patients, are depending on us to get this right. When we finish, we should have a policy that better serves the people who depend on it to access the evolution of medicine now and into the future so we can feel proud of our National Medicines Policy again.”

Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, said “To ensure a continued collaborative process, the Government has agreed to extend the finalisation of the revised NMP until after the Federal election.”

Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said the deferral decision by Health Minister Greg Hunt follows weeks of advocacy and direct discussions with the Minister and his office.

“We congratulate Minister Hunt for continuing his long-held practice of listening to stakeholders and having the courage to make bold decisions that are in the best interests of good health policy and the health of Australian patients,” Ms de Somer said.

“The NMP affects all Australians. Reforming and modernising the NMP, to keep pace with rapidly evolving scientific and medical advances, is too important to be rushed. It is central to the health of the nation – now and into the future,” she added.

Rare Cancers Australia CEO and Chair of the National Oncology Alliance, Richard Vines, agreed that more time and consultation is needed for patient groups. The NMP tells us how every Australian can access and use medicines, vaccines, and treatments. This is an extremely important document that has an impact on all of us, especially patients. We must get this right.

“Our thanks to Minister Hunt for allowing us the time to not only update the NMP but ensure that there is widespread agreement within the community on the vision it presents.

“A refreshed, future-focused NMP can provide the framework to enable the best outcomes for Australians living with serious diseases like rare cancers, now and into the future,” he said.

Ms de Somer said that stakeholders have supported the intent of the Review since it was announced by the Morrison Government in 2019.

“The NMP has held us in good stead for more than 20 years,” Ms de Somer noted. “The commitment to the Review demonstrates the Australian Government’s appetite to prepare our health system for the future.

She added “The announcement of additional consultation time will place the NMP Review on a productive, collaborative path forward and we look forward to continuing our contribution.”

The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson has today welcomed the decision by the Federal Government to extend the finalisation of the National Medicines Policy Review until after the Federal election.

Janssen ANZ Managing Director, Biljana Naumovic said the deferral was an important first step to ensure the NMP fulfils its core objectives and remains fit for purpose.

“Given the significant unresolved issues with the NMP, the decision to defer the finalisation of the review is a welcome relief. Rushing to complete this review before an election could have serious consequences for Australian patients.

“Janssen stands by our original position. The National Medicines Policy Review must include a clear vision statement, a set of concrete KPIs and a governance structure that ensures clear lines of accountability. Without these elements, the NMP will fail to serve needs of Australian patients. This is a positive outcome and the government deserves credit for heeding the concerns raised by patient groups and industry.”

There is currently no timeframe as to when the NMP Review process will recommence as Minister Hunt is due to retire after the election. It would be up to the incoming government to determine the next steps.