Expert committee to examine complementary medicines
16 May 2003
The Federal Government has announced the formation of an 18 member expert committee to examine complementary medicines in the healthcare system in Australia.
Parliamentary Secretary for Health, Trish Worth, said the group appointed to the committee covered all aspects of the complementary medicines industry including academic, clinical and industry experts.
‘The expert committee, to be chaired by Dr Michael Bollen AM, will focus on issues around the supply of safe, high quality complementary medicines, quality use of and timely access to these medicines, and the maintenance of a responsible and viable complementary medicines industry.
‘The Pan Pharmaceuticals recall has highlighted the importance of preventing or deterring deliberate or reckless breaches of standards and conditions for the manufacture of medicines, in order to protect the health and safety of the Australian public,’ Ms Worth said.
AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, welcomed the establishment of the expert committee, and said the committee must work to restore consumer faith in evidence-based complementary medicines and suggest quality safeguards to prevent another Pan-style recall.
‘The AMA recognises that complementary medicines are now an important component of integrated, quality healthcare. But quality, safety, and efficacy are as essential with complementary medicines as they are with over-the-counter and prescribed pharmaceuticals,’ said Dr Phelps.
The committee will report back to the Commonwealth Government by mid-August 2003.
Last Reviewed: 15 May 2003
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