Australian Therapeutic Goods Advisory Council meeting statement, Meeting 4, 4 February 2014

Record of issues

The Australian Therapeutic Goods Advisory Council (the Council) met for the fourth time at Parliament House on Tuesday 4 February 2014. Senator the Honourable, Fiona Nash, Assistant Minister for Health, attended the meeting. Minister Nash thanked members for their time and valuable contribution to the work of the Council. Members discussed a range of issues with Minister Nash including ANZTPA, international collaboration, and complementary medicines.

The Council reviewed progress made against the Blueprint Implementation Plan in 2013. As at 31 December 2013, two thirds of the recommendations have been implemented. Nine recommendations are on track for implementation by 30 June 2014 and seven recommendations remain for implementation by 31 December 2015. A report on progress, TGA Reforms: A blueprint for TGA's future: Progress Report as at 31 December 2013, is available on the TGA website.

Members were provided with a draft progress report against TGA's key performance indicators. This first report will provide a bench mark for future reporting on TGA's overall performance against its broad strategic intent.

An update on the Medicines Shortages Information Initiative was provided. Members endorsed TGA's actions, noting that the partnerships approach taken is critical to its success. A website containing information concerning shortages of prescription medicines is planned for mid 2014.

Members were provided with an update on TGA's Communication and Education Framework, results of recent market research, and development of educational materials. They provided advice on the dissemination and awareness raising of the new education materials which are now available on the TGA website.

An overview was also provided on TGA's current priorities for the international engagement strategy, including participation in major international initiatives. The meeting discussed barriers and benefits to work sharing/convergence.

Other topics of discussion included:

• ANZTPA;
• the food/medicine interface; and
• improving consumer and health professional awareness of, and participation in, adverse event reporting.

Next meeting

The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for 5 August 2014.

For further information on the Council, please contact the Secretary:

Email: atgac@tga.gov.au