Moves are underway to give the public a greater say in regard to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has held its first ever consumer hearings.

Spokespeople for groups dedicated to Hepatitis C, melanoma, chronic lymphoma and inflammatory bowel disease were invited to present detailed submissions in person.

The PBAC is an independent expert body appointed by the Australian Government to recommend new medicines for listing.

The new PBAC agenda for March includes many important new drugs, based on prior consultation with various advocates.

The Minister for Health Sussan Ley welcomed the moves to give consumers and patient groups a greater say on the listing of new medicines.

“The conversations with consumer organisations to share information, understanding and evidence about the benefits, harms and costs of new medicines is further demonstration of the Australian Government’s commitment to wider consultation,” Ms Ley said.

“I am a strong advocate for consumers being involved in the consultation and decision making processes that take place within Government and I applaud the PBAC for reaching out to patient groups.

“I want to hear from a range of voices about the best ways patients can continue to access the medicines they need, when they need them and at a price both they and the taxpayers can afford.”

Since November 2008, the agenda for the PBAC has been published in advance of the meeting to allow individual consumers and clinicians and their member groups to be able to provide feedback on the individual quality of life impacts and the societal impact of access to medicines.

Drug companies already have the opportunity to present to the PBAC on their submissions.