Media Releases
Proprietary medicines - "Better health through responsible self medication"
Speaking at a Proprietary Medicines Association of Australia (PMAA) dinner in Melbourne on Monday night Senator the Hon Grant Tambling, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Aged Care, foreshadowed a number of exciting developments in the near future for the over-the-counter medicine industry.
23 February 1998
Proprietary medicines - "Better health through responsible self medication"
Speaking at a Proprietary Medicines Association of Australia (PMAA) dinner in Melbourne on Monday night Senator the Hon Grant Tambling, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Aged Care, foreshadowed a number of exciting developments in the near future for the over-the-counter medicine industry.
"Last week I lodged a Bill in the Federal Parliament which represents the first component of a package of reforms designed to provide a new and appropriate framework for the regulation and management of complementary and over-the-counter medicines." Senator Tambling said.
"The Bill includes amendments which acknowledge the shift of focus from market entry controls to post market vigilance for low-risk 9listable' goods," Senator Tambling said, "Sponsors will be able to market low risk products without undue delay, while consumers will continue to be protected from unsafe products."
In noting the PMAA's motto of "better health through responsible self medication", Senator Tambling said this objective complements the Government's promotion of quality use of medicines.
Senator Tambling also pointed to the development of a new Pharmacy/Government Agreement, the establishment of a Biotechnology Taskforce and the administration of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to highlight areas with policy implications for the industry in the medium to longer term.
"I am also keen to develop initiatives with traditional Aboriginal medicines as well as working with the Australia New Zealand Health Authority to promote public health through their nutrition programs," Senator Tambling said.
Media Contact:
Peter McMahon, Senator Tambling's office (02) 6277 3436 or 0419 691 443