Doorstop Interview with AMA Vice President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal

                                                                   Since the negotiations around the free trade agreement were launched, we've always been very concerned that somehow the PBS would get caught up in this process. We've gone through a process of denial through to acceptance that it's part of it, and most recently we've seen the Government come out with some suggestions as to how the review process will work, which will then cause the system to actually be maintained. And that, to us, has been vital throughout this whole process, is that the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee is the gatekeeper and the adviser to the minister of what medications should and should not go onto the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

                                                                   We've wanted there to be more clarity in the whole process, more transparency. By that we mean that all medications that go onto the PBS, or are considered, the data that the drug companies submit to the PBAC should be available for clinicians.  We still hope this will happen although it's not part of the process so far.

                                                                   What's also important is that the access to generic drugs is maintained and that as soon as a drug is off patent, there is a chance for generic manufacturers to provide those cheaper medications to the Australian public as generic medications. The Government's review process, we believe, is very reasonable; we think that the one person and then an expert to look at the medication if it's rejected by the PBAC is a very fair way to go. And any results going back to PBAC is essential and is also part of that process.

                                                                   What we've seen from Labor is a suggestion that the current safeguards are actually enshrined with the enabling legislation and also the moves Labor will make in the event of an election victory. We think the transparency is very important; we think that what's there is good. What this would do is make things a bit safer.

QUESTION:                                               There's widespread concern in the community about the way that generic drugs may become less available. What will the AMA do to make sure that that stays readily available for the community?

HAIKERWAL:                                           Under the current free trade agreement process that's in place, the generic industry themselves seem reasonably comfortable. What we've seen is that Labor is suggesting some changes. Those changes would make those generic drugs more freely available, or at least make sure that there are no flaws or snags along the way to them getting approval.

QUESTION:                                               Will the AMA continue pressuring the Government to make sure that that is the case?

HAIKERWAL:                                           The AMA is very concerned about access to pharmaceuticals, for them to be cost-effective, but also for them to be affordable by the public. Generics are one way of ensuring the affordability and it's something that we will be pursuing to ensure that people do get the best price for the drugs that they can.

QUESTION:                                               So what's the next step for you then?

HAIKERWAL:                                           Well, at this stage we have put out a paper. We believe it is important that these considerations are thought through carefully by the legislators and we hope that a compromise will be agreed to. We believe the situation as it is, is reasonable. We believe that what's been suggested could improve the situation, and that's something we would welcome.

QUESTION:                                               So you welcome Labor's stance on this?

HAIKERWAL:                                           The stance that the AMA has taken through the whole process around the FTA through to the Joint Standing Committee, the Senate Select Committee, has always been around the issues of transparency of the processes, of allowing the intellectual rights around generics to be maintained and that's the position we still hold.

                                                                   We believe that what the Government's put forward has been... quite adequately addressed the situation but we believe we can make things better if the new suggestions by Labor are also taken on board.      

Ends