VICDOC Autumn 2025 - Magazine - Page 63
A M A PR ES I D E N T
strategy would allow for smoother
transitions and reduce the burden on both
patients and practitioners.
Australia’s medicine shortage problem
is not unique, but our response can set us
apart. The Covid-19 pandemic underscored
the importance of having robust,
adaptable systems in place to manage
public health crises. Medicine shortages,
while not always as immediately urgent
as a pandemic, pose a significant risk to
patient care and safety. A dedicated forum
would ensure that stakeholders are not
just reacting to crises but actively working
to minimise the impact ahead of time.
Our proposal is already receiving
momentum, with the Pharmacy Guild of
Australia announcing its support for a
dedicated medicine shortage forum.
I’ve had positive discussions about this
idea with TGA head Professor Tony Lawler
and we will continue to work closely
with the TGA and other stakeholders on
this issue throughout 2025. I’ve made it
clear that this is about strengthening the
system. We need better communication,
improved foresight, and a collaborative
approach that prioritises patient care.
The establishment of a medicine
shortages forum would be a significant
step in the right direction — one that
ensures healthcare providers are not left
guessing when the next shortage will hit.
Editor’s note: As of 27 February,
the AMA was pleased to report that
its strong advocacy for a regular
stakeholder forum for medicine
shortages led to the TGA establishing
the Medicine Supply Action
Group (MSAG). This is a dedicated
forum consisting of key groups
representing medicine, pharmacy,
wholesalers and sponsors to replace
the ad-hoc action groups that are
normally formed in response to
specific shortages.
We expect that this group will
lead to more timely, accurate and
consistent communication regarding
medicine shortages for patients,
doctors and pharmacists.
Read the
AMA submission
Read alerts about
current medicine
shortages on the
TGA website
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