E-drug: Suspension of Australian PBS-PBAC website
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[E-druggers, knowing Ken's continuous input in E-drug, I think there
is an important role for us here. HH]
Dr Ken Harvey is a member of Health Action International, a Council
Member of the Australian Consumer's Association, a Board Member
of Therapeutic Guidelines Limited, and a Senior Lecturer in the
School of Public Health at La Trobe University in Melbourne. He has
worked hard, both in Australia and internationally, to improve
medicinal drug policy, quality use of medicines and equity of access
to essential drugs.
Since early this year, Ken and three colleagues have been moderat-
ing a University website about the Australian Pharmaceutical
Benefits Scheme (PBS), and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory
Committee (PBAC) (http://www-sph.health.latrobe.edu.au/pbac/),
which advises the Federal Minister for Health which drugs should
be listed on the PBS. The website arose in response to recent
controversies about the PBAC, particularly the removal of members
perceived as antagonistic to industry and the appointment of a
former industry lobbyist. More generally, there are concerns about
the perceived industry influence on the PBAC, escalating costs of
the PBS, and whether equity of access to necessary drugs can be
preserved.
On 29 June, Ken and his colleagues found that the PBS-PBAC web-
site had been suspended by the University without prior consul-
tation. In addition, a letter was awaiting Ken, notifying him that the
University had instigated disciplinary procedures against him. The
matter is now under industrial negotiation and in the press:
http://www.theage.com.au/news/state/2001/07/10/FFX2VKO4XOC.
html and
http://australianit.news.com.au/common/storyPage/0,3811,2304103
%255E442,00.html.=20
The PBS-PBAC website has now been moved to a non-University
website: http://users.bigpond.net.au/pbs-pbac/
This website is an important resource. Its suspension without
consultation and the disciplinary action against Ken are matters of
serious concern. Some international solidarity would be appreciated.
Please see the website for further information.
Melissa
Melissa Raven, Lecturer
Coordinator, Drugs & Public Health (previously Addiction Studies)
Department of Public Health, Flinders University
G5 Flats, Flinders Medical Centre
BEDFORD PARK SA 5042, AUSTRALIA
Phone +61-8-8204.5714 Fax +61-8-8204.5693
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