The Minister for Health, Sussan Ley, today congratulated Dr Suzanne Hill, the Chair of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), who will be taking up a new role with the World Health Organization.

Dr Hill will step down as Chair of the PBAC after its meeting in March. 

“Under Dr Hill’s leadership, the PBAC has maintained its reputation as one of the premier technical and scientific advisory bodies in Australia,” Ms Ley said.  

“During Dr Hill’s time as chair, the PBAC recommended many important new and innovative medicines for conditions including Hepatitis C, advanced melanoma, and cystic fibrosis, all of which have improved the quality of life of thousands of Australians. 

“The role of the PBAC is a challenging one, navigating the difficult path of balancing the needs of patients, clinicians and industry with the complexities of making new and high cost medicines available for all Australians.

“Importantly, Dr Hill also strengthened the input of patients into the PBAC process, a goal which will continue to enrich the committee’s deliberations.”  

The process to identify a new Chair has commenced.

For more details, go to: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/health-mediarel-yr2015-ley004.htm