Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The answer to the honourable senator’s question is as follows:

(1) Yes.

(2) Yes.

(3) In order to comply with competitive neutrality principles.

(4) ANSTO imports Iodine-123 and Gallium-67. The unreliability of the National Medical Cyclotron (NMC) in the period leading up to its closure in 2009 meant that imports were periodically required even before that date. The implementation of a reliable importation strategy has improved the reliability of supply to hospitals and patients.

(5) No.

(6) I-123 mIBG comes in two doses, depending on the specific procedure being undertaken. The price for 200MBq is $1045 and the price for 400MBq is $1984. Questions regarding rates of Medicare reimbursement should be raised with the Department of Health and Ageing.

(7) ANSTO’s pricing complies with competitive neutrality principles, which include a requirement of an adequate rate of return.

(8) This is a clinical question that should be discussed with a Nuclear Medicine specialist.

(9) No.

(10) ANSTO’s pricing complies with competitive neutrality principles.

(11) Iodine-131 (not iodine-133) is used for the treatment of thyroid cancer. It comes in a variety of forms and doses, depending on the specific procedure being undertaken. Prices range from $505 to $870 per dose.

(12) As noted in the response to part (10), the price for I-131 (not I-133) ranges from $505 to $870 per dose. Questions regarding rates of Medicare reimbursement should be raised with the Department of Health and Ageing.

(13) I-131 mIBG is only produced as needed for the treatment of particular patients under the TGA Special Access Scheme. Each production run in the OPAL reactor only delivers one dose, and as such is very costly. ANSTO’s pricing complies with competitive neutrality principles. Questions regarding rates of Medicare reimbursement should be raised with the Department of Health and Ageing.

(14) Yes, the price of Samarium 153 (Sm) Lexidronam produced at ANSTO is $3,255. Questions regarding rates of Medicare reimbursement should be raised with the Department of Health and Ageing.