8 September 2016 - The communiques from the February 2015, September 2015 and April 2016 meetings of the Access to Medicines Working Group are now available.

The Communiques note the disccussion on Managed Entry Schemes (now called Managed Access Programmes), 99ACB and transparency.

Managed Access Programmes

Significant progress had been made on developing a framework for a Managed Access Programme (MAP). It was noted that a framework had been endorsed by the PBAC, with work underway to establish processes to support its implementation.

99ACB

There remain fundamental points of disagreement on the interpretation of section 99ACB of the National Health Act 1953. Both parties have exchanged proposed frameworks, however at the time of the meeting there remain points of difference that may not be able to be resolved. Both parties agreed to progress with planned discussions to seek a pathway forward.

Transparency

Medicines Australia and DoH noted that the subgroup was identifying and pursuing initiatives to support greater transparency of processes for the community, and greater efficiency for DoH and industry, including identifying efficiencies to free up capacity for more complex initiatives such as MAP.

Other business

Medicines Australia and DoH discussed the implementation of the policy for removing the originator from price disclosure calculations, part of the PBS Access and Sustainability package. Both parties acknowledged their desire to ensure the policy is administered in a manner that maintains supply of important medicines. Both parties discussed activities that may assist DoH and the industry in the lead up to the October 1 Price Disclosure reductions, such as additional education and information sharing.

Medicines Australia also reiterated its desire for selection of comparators to be the next topic for discussion on the AMWG agenda, when other work streams are completed.

Read Communiques