The federal government is targeting the last great bastion of health bureaucracy, launching a review of the “thicket” of red tape around the drugs and medical ­devices available to Australians.

With the cost-cutting proposals of its first budget still subject to political negotiations, the government has seized the opportunity to examine whether the Therapeutic Goods Administration should be allowed to fast-track approvals or reduce the regulatory burden on manufacturers.

Former Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee chairman Lloyd Sansom will spearhead a review, supported by former chief medical officer John Horvath and former Medicines Australia chairman Will Delaat.

Assistant Health Minister Fiona Nash said the review panel would initially focus on prescription medicines and medical devices before April next year, and then complementary medicines.

Senator Nash said the TGA lacked the capacity to fast-track “breakthrough medications” and also took more than 12 months to approve some generic medications almost identical to approved brand-name drugs.

For more details, go to: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/health/medical-red-tape-next-on-abbotts-hit-list/story-fn59nokw-1227100293510