2.1 The NBA role
The National Blood Authority (NBA), an Australian Government agency within the health and ageing portfolio, is responsible for ensuring the adequate, safe, secure and affordable supply of blood and blood-related products.
The National Blood Authority Act 2003 and National Blood Agreement outline the role of the NBA. This role includes:
- coordinating national supply and demand planning on blood and blood-related products and purchasing those products on behalf of all Australian governments
- negotiating and managing contracts with suppliers of blood and blood-related products to ensure a value-for-money supply and an agreed single national pricing schedule
- implementing an efficient demand-driven system so that the blood supply system is highly responsive to needs
- collaborating with all governments and other relevant parties to ensure that Australia’s blood supply is adequate, safe, secure and affordable
- national contingency planning for blood supplies
- promoting adherence to national safety and quality standards
- developing and implementing national strategies to encourage better use of blood and blood-related products.
The NBA Corporate Plan 2006-09 (approved by all Health Ministers), shows when and how specific activities will be carried out. The execution and timing of these activities depends on the funding provided by governments, the endorsement of priorities by the Jurisdictional Blood Committee (JBC) and decisions made by the Australian Health Ministers’ Conference (AHMC).
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