Consumers Health Forum calls for stronger transparency requirements
The 17th Medicines Australia Code of Conduct has been conditionally approved by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC); however, the ACCC has reiterated concerns expressed by the Consumers Health Forum and many other stakeholders about transparency in interactions between medical professionals and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
The Code has been approved for two years, instead of the five years that was sought by Medicines Australia, with the ACCC making it clear the next version should include stronger transparency requirements, including disclosure of payments made to individual health professionals.
CHF provided extensive input to the ACCC during its deliberations, including written submissions and participation in a pre-decision conference.
CHF CEO Carol Bennett said the decision demonstrated the need for further reform to ensure consumers interests in healthcare decision making are paramount.
“We welcome the ACCC’s decision to approve the 17th Code of Conduct on the basis that changes will be made after two years, and its strong stance in favour of increased consumer protection,” Ms Bennett said.
CHF has acknowledged efforts made by Medicines Australia to address transparency concerns, including the establishment of a working panel that includes consumer input.
Greens health spokesperson, Dr Richard Di Natale, has also announced that he will introduce a Bill into the Australian Parliament that would provide greater transparency for consumers on the interactions between pharmaceutical companies and their doctor, including through disclosure of payments to individual health professionals.