Public voice on PBS medicines
Consumers are now able to comment on medicines being considered for listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
The new measure will increase the transparency of the PBS listing process, and will benefit patients, carers, health professionals and consumer groups, by allowing their input into the decision making process.
The Australian Government subsidises over 3,000 medicines through the PBS.
The Government is seeking direct public input for the PBS listing process, to inform the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) and pharmaceutical companies.
The PBAC is an expert advisory body comprising health professionals and a consumer representative that meets in March, July and November annually, to review applications from companies for PBS listings.
Under the new measure, PBAC meeting agendas will be publicly available six weeks before each meeting is held.
From this time, individuals or groups will be given two weeks to complete an online form to explain how they, their family and carers would benefit from the PBS listing of a medicine to be considered at the next meeting.
Comments will then be examined by the PBAC and the relevant pharmaceutical company, which has applied for the Government’s subsidisation of the medicine.
To be considered for PBS listing, a medicine must have received marketing approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration, to indicate that it is safe and effective for treating a particular condition.
A medicine may then be recommended for PBS listing if it also meets the PBAC’s criteria of medical effectiveness and value for money.
This new initiative was developed in consultation with Medicines Australia, the Consumers’ Health Forum of Australia and the Generic Medicines Industry Association.
The next PBAC meeting will be held from 5 to 7 November 2008.
Between 24 September and 8 October 2008, interested individuals or groups can access the next PBAC meeting agenda and the comments form at the Department of Health and Ageing’s website.
