Haemophiliacs gain more, better blood products
A three-year supply agreement that begins on 1 July will bring benefits to haemophiliacs around Australia.
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18 May 2006
ABB071/06
A three-year supply arrangement for Defined Blood Products for haemophilia patients has been negotiated by the National Blood Authority (NBA) on behalf of all Australian governments. It comes into effect on 1 July this year.
Defined Blood Products are imported plasma and recombinant (synthetic) therapeutic products used to treat bleeding disorders. The Commonwealth Government agreed to fund improved access to recombinant clotting factors for haemophilia patients in 2004. The Government is providing ongoing funding of $80.7 million over four years, and additional investments are being made by the states and territories.
The importation of Defined Blood Products does not contravene the commitment of governments to promote national self-sufficiency of the blood supply, as specified under the National Blood Agreement, as Australia does not have the manufacturing capability to produce these products domestically.
The three suppliers selected in the tender process are: Baxter Healthcare Australia Pty Ltd, Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd, and Wyeth Australia Pty Ltd.
The new contracts will ensure Australian patients have access to world class products and will result in other benefits including:
- greater security of supply, through increasing the range of products available and the number of suppliers
- improving support for clinicians, haemophilia nurses and patients
- guaranteeing availability of products
- greater government transparency, accountability and risk-sharing.
The new arrangements provide a competitive pricing structure. This will lead to cost savings for all Australian governments, in addition to providing greater choice of product for patients and enhancing supply security for Australia.
Further details are on the NBA web site at www.nba.gov.au
For more information call Mr Abbott's office on ph 02 6277 7220
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