Generic Medicines Working Group (GMWG) Communique - 28 June 2017
Page last updated: 4 September 2017
The sixth meeting of the GMWG was held in Sydney on 28 June 2017. The GMWG meets
three times a year with work to be progressed out of session by the respective
sub-groups.
Attendees
Co-Chairs: Mr Allan Tillack, Chair of Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) and Mr Andrew Stuart, Deputy Secretary, Department of Health. Representatives of the GBMA, and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Division, Department of Health were also in attendance.
Purpose
To update the GMWG on progress against the four policy priorities, in particular the inclusion of several GMWG recommendations in the 2017 Federal Budget.
The meeting was an opportunity to discuss the landmark compact between GBMA and the Australian Government, the extension of the current Strategic Agreement to 30 June 2022, and initiatives to increase uptake of generic and biosimilar medicines that support the long-term sustainability of the PBS.
The GMWG discussed activities to inform industry of the pricing changes to be implemented later this year, as well as the process for making changes to prescribing software, noting the need for co-design with prescribers and software providers.
It was also an opportunity for the Department to outline the move to implement a new Office of Health Technology Assessment, which will bring together assessment processes for Government reimbursement into one area.
Outcomes
The GMWG agreed to continue to work together on the identified policy priorities, including supporting the implementation and monitoring the impact of initiatives outlined in the extended Strategic Agreement.
The GMWG also agreed that as preparation for the Federal Budget and the landmark compacts with the health sector delayed meetings earlier in the year, the GMWG will only meet twice in 2017.
Next steps
GMWG sub-groups will continue to meet face-to-face and via teleconference in 2017 to progress implementation.
The next GMWG meeting is scheduled for 28 November 2017, in Canberra.
