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Public outcry in New Zealand on proposed medicines bill

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The Therapeutic Medicines Bill has encountered stumbling blocks in New Zealand. The voice of concern raged by the scholars and the stout opposition by the public is set to widen the already existing trans-Tasmania division between Australia and New Zealand. A protest was organized in Auckland with 300 people marching the streets shouting slogans against the proposed bill. The organizers are hopeful of more such protests with increasing number of participation. The Therapeutic Medicines Bill aims at creating the framework for the founding of the Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Authority (ANZTPA) and joint regulatory scheme for therapeutic products in both the countries. The two countries are also moving towards clinching a deal for joint regulation of the key governance and accountability arrangements for the new Authority, the implementation and penalties provisions for breaches of the proposed regulations for complementary and alternative medicines, prescription medicines and medical devices. The bill intends to replace New Zealand Medicines Act 1981 and Medicines Regulations 1984. The objective of the proposed joint regulatory scheme in the bill is to guard the health and safety of citizens of both New Zealand and Australia who use and consume therapeutic products. It would do this by regulating the pre and post-market safety and quality of therapeutic products that include: 1. complementary medicines such as herbal and traditional medicines, homoeopathic medicines and aromatherapy products, vitamins, minerals and dietary and nutritional supplements 2.over-the-counter medicines 3.prescription medicines 4. medical devices, such as, bandages, contact lenses, hearing aids, heart valves, pace makers and endoscopes 5. blood and blood products and tissues and cellular therapies. The would be Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Authority is going to be the watchdog to ensure open and free trans-Tasman trade opportunities and enhance Closer Economic Relations and the Single Economic Market between Australia and New Zealand. The opposition mainly stems from the fear of greater Australian dominance in medical trade against relatively smaller New Zealand drug manufacturers. Currently, New Zealand has minimal regulatory measures for medical devices and complementary medicines. There is widespread anticipation that due to agreement with Australia for joint authority, stringent regulatory measures and official control will become a norm. There is also opposition on the ground that the bill may cause distress to Rongoa Maoris known for preparing traditional healing products for individual patients. Another area of controversy is that the scheme is not clear about the intellectual property rights of herbs used by ethnic healers. Imposition of regulation on Maori herbal system is sure to affect low cost health practice and the tourism industry in New Zealand. Though, the New Zealand Governments snubs allegations like introduction of greater control and failure to take into account the Maori cause, yet the opposition mainly revolves around the question of Austrophobia among the New Zealand public. They are very much scared of Australian control over the New Zealand health system particularly the natural remedy industry. Protesting leaders are bracing up to continue their battle for establishing a stand-alone ministry on the bill for years. Image Via: Tvnz

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