Consultation Draft - National Medicines Policy

Overview

UPDATE:

The Department of Health is currently finalising arrangements for recommencing the NMP Review and further advice will be provided in the near future.

Published in 2000, Australia’s National Medicines Policy (NMP) is a well established and universally endorsed framework that aims deliver positive health outcomes for all Australians through their access to, and appropriate use of, medicines. The NMP guides the range of activities encompassing medication management, access and affordability of medicines in Australia through a partnership approach between all sectors.

The Review of the NMP (the Review) was commissioned by the Minister for Health, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP in recognition of the substantial changes to the health landscape since the policy was published in 2000.

The Review has been led by an Expert Advisory Committee established by the Minister for the Department of Health. The Committee is chaired by Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd AM. Its members include Professor Lloyd Sansom AO; Mrs Janette Donovan; Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin and Mr David Herd. This Committee has brought expertise across medicines policy, clinical practice, consumer engagement and the pharmaceutical industry to the Review.

The refreshed draft NMP continues to be a high-level policy framework. The draft Policy’s aim is to create the environment, in which appropriate structures, processes and accountabilities enable medicines and medicines-related services to be accessible in an equitable, safe, timely, and affordable way and to be used optimally according to the principles of person-centred care and the quality use of medicines, so that improved health, social and economic outcomes are secured for individuals and the broader community.  

The refreshed draft Policy contains central pillars and principles, that direct the identification, design, development and evaluation of policies, strategies, programs, and initiatives that advance equitable, safe, timely and affordable access to medicines. It also identifies key policy enablers and connects them to related health and industry policies. The revised draft NMP also outlines a governance and evaluation approach that acknowledges that success is dependent on all Policy partners and the community playing their part in fostering a medicine policy environment geared to responding to current and new challenges for the benefit of all Australians.

Development of the draft NMP

The Committee undertook a 12-week period of public consultation that commenced on 30 August 2021 and concluded on 17 November 2021. The public consultation process included a call for public submissions, and bilateral interviews and virtual group discussions with selected stakeholder organisations. The Committee also held a virtual stakeholder webinar forum in December 2021 to present the key themes from the consultation process. The Review Committee received 156 written submissions and consulted with 194 representatives across 135 organisations through its program of meetings and virtual group discussions. Further information about the now closed consultation, including the Discussion Paper, can be found here: https://consultations.health.gov.au/technology-assessment-access-division/national-medicines-policy-review/

Drawing on this extensive engagement process, and diversity of views expressed, feedback received has been used to inform the refresh of the NMP as a high-level policy framework. The draft policy reflects stakeholders’ recognition of the continuing relevance of the policy’s objectives and affirmed the importance of a person-centred and partnership-based approach. It also captures the changes in the health system environment, where applicable, to ensure that the Policy remains relevant now and into the future.

Why your views matter

The NMP Review Committee invites your feedback on the draft National Medicines Policy. The diverse perspectives, experience, and knowledge of all stakeholders, including members of the community, are valued and will contribute to the final Policy.

Consultation Information

The draft Policy found at the bottom of the page is open for consultation via the Consultation Survey. The survey will close on Wednesday 2 March 2022. Late submissions or requests for extension will not be accepted.

About the Survey

The survey is structured into 8 parts. These parts reflect the structure of the refreshed Policy.  

The survey sections and the number of questions include:

• Section 1. Privacy information (2 questions)
• Section 2. Introduction (6 questions)
• Section 3. Scope, aim, principles and enablers (4 questions)
• Section 4. Governance (1 question)
• Section 5. Central Pillars (4 questions)
• Section 6. Implementation (1 question)
• Section 7. Evaluation (1 question)
• Section 8. General Comments

If you wish, you can complete the survey in stages by using the ‘save and return’ feature. At the bottom of each survey page, you can select the 'Save and come back later...' button. You will then be asked to provide an email address. A unique link will be emailed to you that will allow you to return where you left off. Email addresses entered for this purpose are not saved with your responses to the survey.

You will need to answer 'required' questions before you can submit your response. 

How will responses be used?

Findings from the survey will be collated and used to inform refinements to the draft Policy.

To download a copy of the draft Policy, click on >> and select 'Download'.