9 April 2014 - The Australian Government will review the Life Saving Drugs Programme - a move aimed at ensuring that Australians with very rare conditions continue to have subsidised access to much-needed, expensive medicines.

The review, to be conducted by health experts, consumer representatives and an ethics advocate, is expected to be completed within 12 months.

Patients currently treated through the Life Saving Drugs Programme will continue to receive access to treatment.

New patients can continue to apply for access to treatment.

Applications for new medicines seeking listing will continue to be considered throughout the review period.

Last year (2012-13), 228 eligible patients had subsidised access to expensive, lifesaving medicines for the very rare life-threatening conditions.

The review will examine important issues such as access and equity, value for money and the future administration of the programme.

For more details, go to: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/health-mediarel-yr2014-dutton030....