Access to Medicines Working Group February 2008

Page last updated: 11 February 2008

Printable Version of Access to Medicines Working Group Meeting Three - (PDF 42 KB)

The Access to Medicines Working Group (AMWG) met for the third time on 18 December 2007.

Since its previous meeting the Co-Chairs, David Learmonth from the Department and Will Delaat from Medicines Australia had met with representatives of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), consumers and the generic medicines industry. The AMWG considered the results of these consultations and noted the continuing importance of ongoing open engagement with key stakeholders.

The meeting received a positive report on the outcomes of a workshop held on 17 December 2007 involving representatives of the TGA, Medicines Australia and the Department. The workshop looked at the arrangements for processing applications to both the TGA and PBAC and discussed potential changes to reduce the time it takes to list new medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The AMWG noted that the workshop outcomes reflected a genuine willingness from all parties to look at this issue in a cooperative manner. The Group agreed to prepare a briefing paper on the outcomes and possible ways forward.

The AMWG continues to explore the possible impacts on the listing process of statutory price reductions from August 2008 for medicines on the new F2 formulary. It has also begun to discuss managing uncertainty of evidence provided to the PBAC as a third priority area.

Milestones and timeframes for the Group’s activities continue to be updated, in accordance with the overall work plan and its Terms of Reference. The AMWG has committed to prepare and submit an interim report to Government before 30 June 2008.


David Learmonth
Deputy Secretary
Department of Health and Ageing


Will Delaat
Vice Chair
Medicines Australia