10/12/1999

For the first time ever, Australia has a national medicines policy, launched in Canberra today by Senator the Hon Grant Tambling, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Aged Care.

“A central plank of this policy is that it encompasses the whole spectrum of medicines, including prescription, non-prescription and complementary healthcare products,” said Senator Tambling.

Australia has a unique system for providing access to affordable, necessary medicines.

“This policy is essential to continue to ensure timely access to medicines that Australian consumers need, at a cost individuals and the community can afford. It is also essential that medicines meet appropriate quality standards; that there is a rational funding system and a viable local medicines industry.”

Reflecting the growing emphasis on shared responsibility between governments, healthcare providers, consumers and industry in meeting healthcare needs, the policy is the product of wide consultation and a partnership between these groups. To ensure complete coverage of all the key players in the growing medicines sector, input was recently expanded to include complementary medicine representatives and medical writers.

The Australian Pharmaceutical Advisory Council (APAC), a consultative forum that advises the Commonwealth Government on a wide range of medicines policy issues, facilitated development of the policy.

“I am proud to launch this policy,” said Senator Tambling. “It is a tangible sign that Australia has a cohesive, genuinely representative, fair and sustainable system to ensure continued timely access by Australians to high-quality medicines.”

A copy of the National Medicines Policy can be obtained at www.health.gov.au/haf/docs/nmp2000.htm
or by contacting David Pearson on (02) 6289 8023.

Further information:
Peter McMahon (02) 6277 3436 or 0419 691 443