MSD supports Australian Cancer Futures Framework
November 9, 2020 12:01 am Australia/Sydney
MSD supports Australian Cancer Futures Framework
MSD supports the call for an Australian Cancer Futures Framework, proposed at today’s 2020 virtual CanForum conference run by the National Oncology Alliance (NOA)[i].
In the launch of their report, Vision 20-30, the NOA identified the need for a future framework in Australia that will ensure cancer patients’ needs will be met equally and optimally over the next ten years[ii]. This transformative decade will be driven by rapid technological and scientific advances in cancer, which will challenge the current structure of the Australian health system. 2
The report calls for improvements in fundamental aspects of our health system to ensure improvements in cancer care are shared across all cancer types[iii].
MSD supports this call for improvements in the Australian health system, so that its design delivers improved and faster access to medicines for Australian patients.
The current Health Technology Assessment (HTA) framework in Australia is focused on benefits to public health and the overall health system but needs to evolve to recognise the broader benefits of access to medicines, including financial value, to our community.
MSD believes medicines of all kinds, especially cancer medicines, must be seen as an investment in human capital and as an integral part of the health care ecosystem.
Pragmatic changes to the HTA framework and Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) decision making could enable Australian patients to access the latest Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) reimbursed treatment for their cancer and strengthen Australia’s position as a global leader in cancer care.
MSD is committed to working with members of NOA and the Australian Government to ensure an Australian Cancer Futures Framework becomes a reality.
About the National Oncology Alliance (NOA)
NOA is an unincorporated not-for-profit alliance of cancer stakeholders founded by Rare Cancers Australia (RCA). NOA brings together experts across the entire cancer community with a collective aim to shape policy that ensures all Australians living with cancer get access to technology and treatments to extend their survival and improve their quality of life3.
MSD is a member of the NOA and was a financial contributor to the development of NOA’s Vision 20-30: Australian Cancer Futures Framework.
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[i] https://www.rarecancers.org.au/page/140/2020-canforum Accessed 28 October 2020
[ii] CanForum Vision 20:30 Invitation, National Oncology Alliance
[iii] CanForum Vision 20:30 Overview and Communication Toolkit, National Oncology Alliance