Partners in health deal with Texas Medical Centre

The Morrison government will today sign a deal with the largest medical complex in the world to encourage collaboration.

Health Minister Greg Hunt says Australia is the first country to form such an agreement with TMC. Picture: AAP

The Morrison government will today sign a deal with the largest medical complex in the world, Texas Medical Centre, to encourage collaboration on health breakthroughs.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the memorandum of understanding would enable Australian researchers to better develop clinical practice and commercial opportunities in the areas of genomics, rare cancers, brain cancer research and current and emerging clinical trials.

“Negotiations have been ongoing since June and Australia is now the first country to form such an agreement with TMC, home to the world’s largest children’s hospital and the world’s largest cancer hospital,” Mr Hunt said. “It will provide economic opportunities and Australian patients could potentially be given earlier access to breakthrough medical technologies and treatment.”

Mr Hunt initiated talks with TMC president William McKeon on developing the memorandum of understanding during a tour of TMC’s Houston complex in June.

The agreement with TMC, which overseas 23 hospitals and more than 40 research institutes, covers four areas: clinical trials, genomics, mental health and digital health.

Mr Hunt said the government was committed to strengthening Australia’s reputation as a global leader in health and medical research through building links between researchers, industry, academia, and governments in the innovation process.

“Medical research is currently a $1 billion industry in Australia and it is expected to triple in size, if not quadruple, in the next five years, delivering huge economic outcomes, but more importantly lifesaving results,” he said. “Health and medical research is a key pillar supporting Australia’s world-class health system and is critical to improving healthcare and improving the health of our nation.”