7 August 2017 - The appointment of consumer leader, Jo Watson, as the inaugural deputy chairperson of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, is an encouraging recognition of patients’ interests in deciding which medicines should be subsidised, the Consumers Health Forum’s CEO, Leanne Wells, said today.

“We congratulate Jo on her appointment. She brings great experience as an advocate for health consumers. Her elevation to deputy chair following the recent appointment of a second consumer nominee, Bel Harper to the PBAC, highlights the importance of consumer insights and evidence when it comes to which medicines should be recommended to the Federal Health Minister for subsidy,” Ms Wells said.

“Approaches to health technology assessment generally are improving and evolving world-wide. Recognising the value of patient knowledge and experience of living with a condition and understanding how medications fit with wider treatment plans and lived experience are important elements in the decision making process and to ensuring funding is directed to high value care”.

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