AAMRI welcomes medical research as a pillar of Australia’s Long Term National Health Plan

The Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI) is pleased to see medical research at the heart of the newly announced Long Term National Health Plan for Australia. We know that research-led health care delivers better outcomes for all Australians, and it’s great to see the strong commitment to medical research funding in the Plan.

The Long Term National Health Plan, which charts the way forward over the next 3-10 years, is aimed at better prevention of diseases, health promotion, a higher focus on patients’ multidisciplinary needs, and more affordable and accessible health care to all Australians.

One of the four pillars of the Long Term National Health Plan is investing in health and medical research. AAMRI was delighted to see research as one of the major building blocks, and the clear focus on patients, research, translation and missions.

“Having medical research feature as a key part of the Plan will allow the medical research sector to continue to do what we know it does best – save lives and boost the economy,” said AAMRI President Professor Jonathan Carapetis.

The Medical Research Future Fund is a sovereign wealth fund for medical research and is set to reach its target capitalisation of $20 billion in 2020. It has funded more than 50 clinical trials to date, eight research missions and invests in some of the most promising research for the future including genomics, precision medicine, robotics, and stem cell research.

“Investment in these areas now will not only mean we attract and retain the best and brightest researchers here in Australia but will continue our mission to improve the health and well-being of all communities,” said Professor Carapetis.

A KPMG study published last year found that for every dollar invested into medical research, $3.90 was returned to the economy. These returns impact a range of areas from employment, knowledge creation, and medical technology to the pharmaceutical export industry.

Continuing to invest in medical research is the best way to ensure a healthier Australian population and ensure we have a strong innovation economy.