A National medicines policy fit for the future

An updated and strengthened National Medicines Policy (NMP) has been delivered to the Australian Government.

 

It is vital that medicines are prescribed and used appropriately, people have the information they need to make informed choices, and their health care is well organised and based on their needs. There must also be support for world-class innovation and research into new treatments, medicines and medicine services in Australia.

 

Yet these goals are not being met for all Australians, such as those in rural or remote communities, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

 

Governments, health professionals, industry, researchers, and educators need to work together so that all Australians can access medicines that improve their health.

 

To ensure the NMP remains fit for purpose and is not left to languish, it will now be reviewed and updated every five years, or when important changes are needed.

 

The Government acknowledges the work of Professor Michael Kidd AM who led the review of the NMP, and contributions of the Expert Advisory Committee members including Emeritus Professor Lloyd Sansom AO, Mr David Herd, Mrs Jan Donovan and Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin.

 

The refreshed NMP is available on the Department of Health and Aged Care website. It can be found under the National Medicine Policy resources collection.

 

Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:

 

“All Australians should have equitable, timely, safe and affordable access to a high‑quality and reliable supply of medicines and medicines-related services.

 

“The NMP was first published in 2000. Over the past two decades, medicines have changed and so have patient and consumer expectations.

 

“The Government delivered on its election commitment to restart the Review of the NMP. In refreshing the NMP, the Government has listened to patients, health experts and the medicines industry".