The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement of a timeline for the development of the National Health and Medical Research Strategy, and the appointment of Ms Rosemary Huxtable AO to oversee this process.
As the nation’s authoritative expert health and medical sciences body, the Academy has long called for the development of a Strategy to guide the development of the infrastructure, workforce and priorities to secure Australians’ future health and wellbeing.
Developing the Strategy is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure Australia’s position at the forefront of global health and medical innovation, and ensure that all Australians receive effective, evidence-based healthcare.
To be effective and evidence-informed, the Strategy must be developed through focused and intentional engagement with the nation’s health and medical research sector.
Academy President, Professor Louise Baur AM, emphasised the importance of developing a Strategy able to guide and catalyse the innovation needed to deliver cutting-edge healthcare to all Australians.
“The Government’s appointment of Ms Rosemary Huxtable as the Chair of the National Health and Medical Research Strategy is a welcome step towards developing this much-needed roadmap,” she said.
“To fulfill its potential, this Strategy must be developed in careful conversation with the health and medical research sector and the Strategic Examination of Research and Development.
“In order to be able to be implemented nationwide, the Strategy must also engage the relevant portfolios and stakeholders of all State and Territories.
“The Academy looks forward to continuing to provide the Federal Government with the evidence, insights and expertise needed to develop a successful, future-fit Strategy.”