Health Minister announces HTA reform advisory group as questions persist over timelines and transparency

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler MP has unveiled the members of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review Implementation Advisory Group (IAG), which will be chaired by Professor Andrew Wilson, previous Chair of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC). The announcement was made during the Patient & Parliament Summit hosted by Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS).

“The recommendations range from small, focused prescriptions for change to wide-ranging and visionary proposals requiring legislative amendments and new investments,” said Minister Butler. “As with all recommendations that require significant investment, they need careful consideration by government.”

Questions remain on the government’s commitment to timelines and scope of bold reforms. There are also lingering doubts about whether the transparency issues that marred the earlier HTA review process will persist.

Medicines Australia welcomed the announcement of the IAG and the appointment of CEO Liz de Somer and Board Deputy Chair Anne Harris as industry representatives.

“With an election looming, it is important that we now get to work in developing an implementation plan and timelines, and commence the co-design work that is needed to deliver these reforms,” said de Somer.

The IAG brings together a diverse mix of expertise and perspectives, including:

• Industry Representatives: Elizabeth de Somer, CEO of Medicines Australia, and Anne Harris, Deputy Chair of the Medicines Australia Board.
• Clinical Experts: Dr Lorraine Anderson, Medical Director of Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services, and Dr Richard Mitchell, Head of Clinical Services at the Kids Cancer Centre.
• Patient Advocates: Nicole Millis, CEO of Rare Voices Australia, and Kirsten Pilatti, CEO of Breast Cancer Network Australia.
• Government Representatives: Professor Emily Lancsar and Duncan McIntyre from the Department of Health, along with a state and territory representative to be nominated by the Health Technology and Genomics Collaboration.

“The implementation of these reforms is a vital step towards faster access to innovative medicines for Australian patients. This underscores the importance of government, industry and patients working together to deliver life-changing treatments for Australians,” BMS said on social media.

A global survey of more than 1,100 patient organisations conducted by ‘PatientView’ revealed that “Only Australian patient groups appear to exert the most influence in all four spheres of activity within healthcare systems – policymaking, healthcare provision, healthcare education and pharma R&D”.

“This is testament to the effort and experience of everyone in this room, and so many more besides, who contribute their time to organisations from the largest national charities to the smallest groups,” Minister Butler noted, underscoring the vital contributions of patient advocacy groups.

“These reforms will take time, but it’s important we get them right,” Minister Butler stressed.

He further added, “I look forward to working with them to realise a future of better health, better health technologies, and better health technology assessment.”

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