Stakeholders weigh in on HTA Review announcement, urge Health Minister to act amid election pressures

The Federal Health Minister, Mark Butler MP, has sparked cautious optimism among stakeholders with this week’s announcement of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review Implementation Advisory Group (IAG). The announcement comes more than two years after the review began in October 2022. However, concerns linger over the government’s commitment to timelines and the scope of bold reforms, particularly with a looming election.

Lisa Robins, CEO of the Australian Patients Association (APA), told Health Industry Hub, “Patients must remain central to these discussions and recommendations. We are pleased to see diverse expertise represented, especially Nicole Millis and Kirsten Pilatti, who will champion the patient voice. However, we are concerned by the lack of timelines and urge Minister Butler to act with urgency to ensure timely access to medicines, vaccines, and new treatments for all Australians.”

She further added, “Professor Andrew Wilson is an outstanding choice to chair the IAG. As a former Chair of PBAC, he brings deep expertise in processes and legislation, alongside his experience as a doctor, researcher, and long-standing patient advocate. He is solutions-focused, thoughtful, and perfectly placed to deliver practical, patient-centred outcomes from the HTA recommendations.”

Monika Boogs, CEO of PainAustralia emphasised the pressing need for reforms, saying “The HTA review has been a very long process, and patients, particularly those in chronic pain, need access to affordable new medicines and new and emerging technologies, and this can only occur with a more progressive, relevant, and equitable HTA system.

“We urge the Federal Government and the IAG to begin the work straight away to progress the reforms that are so desperately needed. It is important there are no further delays and that a broad group of consumer representation is part of the co-design to ensure changes are made for the benefit of all health stakeholders.”

For Chris Tanti, CEO of the Leukaemia Foundation, the stakes are particularly high for patients living with blood cancers.

“The Leukaemia Foundation has been engaged with the HTA review process since it started and is committed to ensuring that the perspectives and needs of blood cancer patients in Australia are front and centre in the HTA process. We remain hopeful that parliamentarians of all persuasions will support HTA reform and make a pre-election commitment to doing so.

“Blood cancers are typically difficult to diagnose, hard to treat and have high mortality rates. Furthermore, Australian patients are waiting too long to access new and emerging treatments, impacting their chances of survival. These factors greatly contribute to the need for HTA reform. While Australia has a world-class health system, we can and must do better at making potentially life-saving treatments accessible more quickly to blood cancer patients who need them,” remarked Tanti.

Reinforcing earlier comments made by Medicines Australia, a spokesperson for AbbVie told Health Industry Hub, “The work undertaken by the IAG must be informed by robust consultation and collaboration across all stakeholders to ensure that reforms lead to improvements in access and health outcomes for all Australians, regardless of who they are or their condition.

“It’s encouraging to see the industry’s views represented by not only Medicines Australia but an additional MA member company. The HTA reforms will be critical in order for Australia to realise its potential as a nation with a truly world-class health system and will require ongoing commitment from the Government.”

Robins reinforced the urgency of action, adding, “The APA strongly advocates for affordable, accessible healthcare, including timely approval and reimbursement of medicines, vaccines, and treatments. Rapid access to novel therapies is essential to ensure patients achieve the best outcomes.”

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