Regional pacts the proper tonic for dodgy medications

Australia will boost funding to improve access to safe medicines in the Indo-Pacific, as competition with China for influence continues to rise.

Australia's drug regulator will team up with governments in the Indo-Pacific under a $13.3 million boost to improve access to medicines.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the partnership between the Therapeutic Goods Administration and regional neighbours, during a visit to Jakarta for ASEAN meetings.

It comes days after China and the Solomon Islands signed a new comprehensive strategic partnership in Beijing, heightening regional tensions.

Senator Wong has called on the two nations to be transparent and release the detail behind the agreement. 

The announcement includes $1.3 million for the Indonesia-Australia Contaminated Medicines and Vaccines Program, to help improve regulation for sub-par and falsified medicines.

Senator Wong said the partnership would improve health outcomes for people in the region. 

"Improving the health and wellbeing of communities across our region, including through better access to safe and effective medicines, is critical to ensuring our shared prosperity and security," she said.

The funding is part of the government's $620 million Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative, which supports countries to build resilient and accessible health systems.