News

Although the message was not as clear as that delivered by a previous minister, the transcript is a must-read because it frames the HTA Review as a trade-off to be negotiated.

GE HealthCare and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre have announced a partnership under which the Melbourne-based facility will evaluate a new positron emission tomography and computed tomography technology.

A new survey shows that one in three Australian men aged 40 and over experience a confidence-robbing condition that is compromising their mental health and well-being.

Gilead and the National Association of People with HIV Australia have announced the 2024 Community Champions - five Australians recognised for their advocacy, support and care for people living with HIV.

The word disinvestment has emerged as a ubiquitous feature of health technology discussions and recently evolved into specific policy proposals via triaging and deprioritising.

It might be the latest version of a long-term strategic policy approach, but stakeholders need to ask themselves a critical question. Are they willing to trade a bridging fund and process changes for a few health technologies, based on the promise it could accelerate access, in return for a disinvestment framework and deprioritising most new therapies?

We draw a line between some very careful use of language by small 'g' government officials that connects some recent processes and events. It could be a coincidence, but it's remarkable and very convenient. Everything happens for a reason, and words matter. 

Professor David Thomas said, “We are on the cusp of a new era in cancer care. It’s imperative to integrate this approach as mainstream care for all Australians.” 

“We have been advocating that NDAs [non-disclosure agreements] are not required for Implementation Group discussions and that there needs to be broad consultation and co-design of responses to the recommendations. Medicines Australia, just like consumer groups and the clinicians, will need to consult with everyone we represent," said chief executive Liz de Somer.

An implementation group is focused on the 'doing'. An advisory group is supporting the 'doing' process. This is not semantics because language matters. While the industry can be loose with its language, the government is not. The insertion of 'advisory' should be considered deliberate.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia President Professor Trent Twomey has welcomed the establishment of a new Masters of Pharmacy qualification.

Amgen has welcomed Health Minister Mark Butler's confirmation that the PBS listing of osteoporosis therapy EVENITY (romosozumab) has been expanded to a first-line setting for people who have had one fracture and are at very high risk of another.