Assessment 3

Question 1 (8 marks) Identify and describe: a. The public health issue depicted in the scenario b. The key policy actors involved c. The market or social justice ethics underpinning the position of key policy actors of this issue - Cancer has been identified as a public health concern, with a high mortality rate of 50,000 deaths per year in Australia. (AIHW, 2019). Wholesalers, pharmacists, and PBAC are key policy actors, while the interest group includes several health-related community groups motivated by strong social justice values, such as the Australian Medical Association (AMA), Doctors Reform Society (DRS), Australian Healthcare and Hospital Association (AHHA), Close the Gap Campaign, and Public Health Association (PHAA). In Australia, social work is centered on social justice. The definition of social work as a profession, its code of ethics, and its standards of practice and education are all based on social justice principles (Taylor, Vreugdenhil & Schneiders, 2017). To underpin the position of the key policy actors, Dorfman et al (2005), three conceptual levels for framing messages in public health could be used to highlight social justice ethics. Level 1: Core values: Accessibility of Braxane on the PBS Level 2 : Issue: Costly treatment for patients due to lack of intervention by the government ( Braxane not available on the PBS).

Level 3: Interest groups, such as the health association community, are using social media and the television press to advocate for policy change. Question 2 (8 marks) Drawing on the sociological, political, and economic contextual factors shaping this public health issue explain: a. How likely it is that this issue will be placed on the public health agenda? b. The information and advice likely to be considered as part of the formulation of this public policy to address this issue? c. And outline the most likely policy solution to be adopted by the government. Some groups, such as the medical profession, which has cultural authority in health and emphasizes downstream approaches, have an easier time getting health issues onto the public agenda than others ( Palmer and Short,2014). As a result, this can be applied to present public health challenges, as the interest group comprises reputable medical organizations that are campaigning for public access to Braxane via the PBS. The government seeks information using a rational decision-making paradigm that includes unbiased assessment as well as ensuring that material is examined fairly, neutrally, and objectively ( Buse, Mays & Walt, 2012). Information and suggestions from the public are likely to be taken into account, as this approach can raise public awareness of pertinent issues and lead to better policy inputs, because different points of view, not just those with the most influence within government, can be heard and considered (Banks, 2007). To increase social inclusion, the government's most likely legislative

emphasising on the impact and long-term suitability of the present Braxen and associated supply chain processes to ensure continued access to medications under the Anpha position. Examining if the present Braxen programme facilitates patients' access to Brzaxen in an efficient and cost-effective manner could be one of the other possible tactics explored ( Department of health, 2021). Stakeholder input is likely to be gathered in order to obtain recommendations and feedback on efficiency and cost effectiveness of accessing Braxane under the position of Anpha. Contextual considerations such as the high cost of the injection and the government's economic situation could strengthen the pharmaceutical industry's opposition to Braxane. Advocacy from a reputable Cancer Council, as well as cases of recovery, may work in Anpha's favour.

Question 4 (12 marks) The PBS has existed since 1948. Identify and explain: a. Who is involved in the implementation of the PBS? Would this change if Braxane becomes available via the PBS? b. How is the PBS implemented drawing on policy implementation theory discussed in the unit? The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), together with Medicare, is a critical component of Australia's health system, ensuring that essential and life-saving medicines are available at a reasonable cost ( Biggs, 2003). The pharmaceutical benefits advisory council advises on which pharmaceuticals and medicinal preparations should be made available as pharmaceutical benefits under the PBS. If Braxane becomes available on the PBS, this system may change because the government will have to collaborate with Anpha as part of a public-private partnership. Anpha will play a part in assuring the manufacturing and supply of the product. PBS is implemented via a top-down method, with a centrally organized chain of command and a communication and control system ( Buse, Mays & Walt, 2012). The federal government sets health policy goals through the pharmaceutical benefits program, while states and territories implement the following policies, which are then incorporated into hospitals and clinics. To apply this theory to the current study, the new policy must first be established and accepted by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, ensuring that the cost of Braxane is subsidized. The need of having a well-established chain of command and

Reference list (All) Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2019). Cancer in Australia: In brief 2019 . Cancer series no. 122. Cat no. CAN 126. Canberra: AIHW. Taylor, S., Vreugdenhil, A., & Schneiders, M. (2017). Social justice as concept and practice in Australian social work: An analysis of Norma Parker Addresses, 1969–2008. Australian Social Work , 70 (sup1), 46-68. Dorfman L., Wallack,L. & Woodruff, K. (2005) More than a message: Framing public health advocacy to change corporate practices. Health Education and Behaviour , 32 (3): 320-336 Palmer, G. R., & Short, S. D. (2000). Health care and public policy: an Australian analysis . Macmillan Education AU. Buse, K., Mays, N., & Walt, G. (2012). Making health policy . McGraw-hill education (UK). Banks, G. (2007). Public inquiries in policy formulation: Australia’s Productivity Commission’. In Address to an International Workshop, China-Australia Governance Program, Beijing (Vol. 3). Biggs, A. (2003). The pharmaceutical benefits scheme: an overview . Department of the Parliamentary Library. Bulfone, L. (2009). High prices for generics in Australia - more competition might help. Australian Health Review, 33 (2), 200-14. http://ezproxy.uws.edu.au/login?url=https://www-proquest-com.ezproxy.uws.edu. au/scholarly-journals/high-prices-generics-australia-more-competition/docview/19 3987982/se-2?accountid=36155 Hernandez-Aguado, I., & Zaragoza, G. A. (2016). Support of public-private partnerships in health promotion and conflicts of interest. BMJ open , 6 (4), e009342. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009342 Department of Health. (2021). EFC review. Retrieved from https://consultations.health.gov.au/technology-assessment-access-division/effic ient-funding-of-chemotherapy-efc-review/