TGA delay another nail in the coffin of proposal

Media Release
For immediate use

12 December 2005

TGA delay another nail in the coffin of Government’s doomed TGA proposal

“It’s not delayed, it’s dieing,” is how the natural health product sector interprets the latest announcement from State Services Minister Annette King.

Today Government announced that legislation enabling the unpopular Trans Tasman Therapeutic Goods Agency (TGA) has been delayed again due to opposition from the industry and MP’s.

The NZ Health Trust, a consumer group that has been fighting the TGA proposal for several years, said public opposition to the Agency was growing as people realised what the implications would be.

“The Minister admitted this morning what we’ve been saying all along,” said Amy Adams, NZ Health Trust spokesperson. “It’s going to cause NZ businesses to close, see products disappear off the shelves and hit consumers of natural health products in the pocket.”

“The elderly would be particularly hard-hit, as they are heavy users of natural health products and are often on fixed incomes – many simply wouldn’t be able to afford the dietary supplements they have come to rely upon.”

The natural products sector is angry the Minister was trying to portray the TGA as a public health issue. “It’s complete rubbish,” said Mrs Adams. “There is no evidence of a public health problem with natural health products.”

Mrs Adams said Annette King was admitting that the legislation could not pass in Parliament, as all political parties except for Labour have pledged to oppose the plan.

“While the Minister says it’s just a delay, no-one believes her. This is just another nail in the coffin for this ill-considered scheme,” Mrs Adams said.

ENDS

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