Review to improve transparency of the TGA
A determination of the Australian Government to ensure the public is better informed about the benefits and risks of therapeutic goods is at the heart of a review announced by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King.
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16 November 2010
A determination of the Gillard Government to ensure the public is better informed about the benefits and risks of therapeutic goods is at the heart of a review announced today by the Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King.
Ms King announced a comprehensive review of the way in which the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) communicates its regulatory processes and decisions. The review will focus on improving the TGA’s transparency.
Ms King said she was conscious of community concern about the lack of information made available by the TGA. “This review will look at what information should be made more public, and how that information could be better conveyed,” she said.
“Greater transparency of its regulatory decisions will improve public confidence in the TGA.”
The review panel will be chaired by Professor Dennis Pearce AO.
Professor Pearce is a former Commonwealth Ombudsman, former Chair of the Australian Press Council and is Special Counsel, DLA Phillips Fox lawyers. Professor Pearce has conducted numerous reviews for both the Commonwealth and ACT governments.
Consumers, health practitioners, industry and the public will all have the opportunity to provide input to the review.”
The TGA is committed to improving its communication of regulatory decisions, and has already begun implementing a number of measures, including publication of:
- Reviews of post market supply investigations into products that have triggered significant safety concerns, including those into the recent Fluvax investigations;
- Product Information and Consumer Medicine Information for prescription medicines on the Therapeutic Goods Administration website;
- Action taken as a result of complaints referred to it by the Therapeutic Products Adverting Complaints Resolution Panel; and
- Results of Courts and Administrative Appeals Tribunal matters
Ms King said there are some sensitivities associated with the publication of commercially sensitive information, and added the TGA will see to it that the review includes a careful and thorough consultation with all stakeholders to ensure a proper balance is achieved.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Peter Dwyer 0409 866 054
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