5 September 2022 - The Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy review seeks to investigate current processes involved in the production, distribution and access of chemotherapy and other medicines used for the treatment of cancer, that are provided through the PBS Section 100 Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy Program.

The interim report of the review Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy Program, published by the Department of Health and Aged Care, is now available for feedback and comments.

The Review found that, by and large, the Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy Program continues to be an appropriate policy response for the specialised nature of cancer care and to ensure access to cancer medicines via the PBS. 

A number of amendments to those arrangements were proposed, with a focus on reducing administrative burden, improving inefficiency in remuneration, enhancing equity of access and strengthening system accountability. Proposed amendments include: 

• A change in the name of the Program
• Stakeholder education on the operation of the Program and PBS more broadly
• The removal of the distinction in PBS item codes between public and private hospital providers
• Consideration of expanding the scope of activities captured by Program fees
• The adoption of a per mg reimbursement model; 
• The introduction of serialised vials
• The payment of compounding fees to all compliant providers
• Exploring the establishment of a National Stability Testing Centre.

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