Australia launches new portal to distribute information on medicines shortages

An online portal which reports on medicines shortages in Australia was launched yesterday by the Assistant Minister for Health, Fiona Nash (pictured).

Trade body Medicines Australia welcomed the Medicines Shortages Information Initiative, which supports an ongoing exchange of information between industry and regulators. It worked with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Generic Medicines Industry Association (GMiA) to provide the resource aimed at healthcare professionals and the community.

Chief executive Brendan Shaw said: “We know there are multiple factors that can contribute to unanticipated shortages in medicines supply, including things like manufacturing problems, logistical failures, unexpected or unpredictable outbreaks of disease with fluctuating local demand, or end user stockpiling practices. This information initiative will provide the tools needed to communicate effectively to the regulator and companies ahead of time, reducing the possibility of patients not being able to access their prescribed medicine due to a supply shortage, and minimising the impact on patients.”