The Federal Government has released the final report of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Review, marking the first comprehensive review of Australia’s HTA system in nearly 30 years.
AusBiotech has welcomed the release of the much-anticipated Health Technology Assessment (HTA) review report by the Federal Government.
HTA is one of the final gateways for getting medicines and vaccines to Australian patients. Too often this gateway has disincentivised medical investment and innovation, and has meant Australian patients have experienced delayed access to medicines.
AusBiotech CEO Rebekah Cassidy said, “We are encouraged that the report acknowledges the need for broad system reform to provide Australians with more equitable, timely, and safe access to medicines and vaccines.”
“Significantly, for the Australian life sciences sector, the recommendations also recognise that investment is needed to ensure the HTA system is equipped to evaluate emerging technologies in the future.
“Congratulations to our peers at Medicines Australia for their multi-year advocacy on this topic and to our own members who contributed during the consultation process. While there is more work to come to drive reform home, this is a significant milestone that should be applauded.”
The 50 HTA Review recommendations have been made across a range of areas, such as improving access to new health technologies, tackling inequity, and making HTA processes simpler and easier to enhance participation from consumers and clinicians. The Federal Government also announced it will establish an independent implementation group to guide the HTA reform, led by an eminent Australian with representation from the Commonwealth and state and territory governments, industry, consumers and clinicians, with the expertise of a health economist.
Consultation included 28 deep dive discussions with experts and stakeholders, while more than 250 submissions were received across two public consultations, including from the Cell & Gene Catalyst, a joint venture of AusBiotech and Medicines Australia.
The HTA Review Report is a consensus report overseen by a Reference Committee representing the views of experts and patient organisations, First Nations peoples, scientific and clinical practice, industry, and government.
The HTA report will play a key role in shaping the Federal Government’s health funding decisions, particularly through programs such as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, Medicare Benefits Schedule, and National Immunisation Program.
The Hon. Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Aged Care, said in a formal statement, “The HTA Review Report is farsighted enough to be visionary, while being firmly grounded in the practicalities of the here and now.” He also stated that “Good reform must be jointly owned. Landing it will take time and the collective effort of governments, experts, patients and industry."
The HTA Review Report can be found here.