Australians rank access to affordable healthcare as second most important priority after cost of living: survey
4 December 2024: Access to affordable healthcare, including fast access to new medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), is the second most important priority for Australians behind cost of living, data from the latest Mood of the Nation survey by SEC Newgate shows.
The survey of 1,611 Australians found 68% believe the Government should be investing more to ensure quality affordable healthcare for all Australians and rank it as the second most important priority behind reducing cost increases for household bills and other essential expenses.
Nearly three quarters of Australians (74%) believe the Government should subside the best medicines available, even if it means more of a cost to taxpayers.
Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer said the results show access to medicines remains an extremely important issue for Australians and investing in a stronger PBS makes sense for the economy and the health of the nation.
“This survey shows Australians want to see more investment in the PBS. We know Australians are very concerned about their health today, as it links to their employment, financial security and quality of life,” Ms de Somer said.
“The Mood of the Nation survey shows a higher number of Australians are very concerned about access to medicines, and more people are realising our Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and the systems that sit behind are not keeping pace with medical advances.”
More than half of Australians (57%) rate access to the most appropriate form of medication for their circumstances as their main priority when it comes to medicines, such as a tablet, liquid, injection or other form. Around one in five (18%) rate access to the latest medicines as most important.
In addition, 11% of respondents were unable to access the medicine they need through the PBS.
“Policy makers need to start viewing the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme as an investment in health, wellbeing and productivity. We need to look at the productivity gains medicines offer, potential savings in other areas of the health system, and the full impact of those gains on society when determining if medicine should be made available on the PBS. This includes how we assess and value different forms of medicines.”
“Australians believe it is reasonable to expect to be able to access the most appropriate medicine available for their condition when they need it. It’s clear taxpayers want to see more investment in healthcare and medicines and want to see new medicines subsidised faster.”
Additional survey results
– 68% of Australians believe the Government should be investing more to ensure quality affordable healthcare for all Australians. This is considered the second highest national priority, behind reducing cost increases for household bills and other essential expenses (76%).
-Investing more in healthcare ranked ahead of interest rates, rental property affordability, and addressing violence in the community.
-In response to how people are impacted by the rising cost of living, 15% said they have been unable to pay for needed medical expenses.
-In the last six months, Australians were most likely to have experienced difficulty:
getting an appointment when they needed one (36%)
affording the cost of health and medical services (35%)
experiencing long waiting lists for services they needed (32%)
One in four (26%) experienced difficulty affording the cost of medicines, with renters (34%), women (29%) and those aged 18-34 (33%) more likely to have had difficulty.
About the survey
The Mood of the Nation survey by SEC Newgate included 1,611 Australians aged 18+. Quotas are set on gender, age and location to achieve an accurate representation of the nation. Data is weighted to ABS Census population statistics on age, gender, location and occupation. This survey was in the field from 10-14 September 2024.
Media enquiries to Kate McKeown, Senior Manager Communications and Media – kate.mckeown@medicinesaustralia.com.au or 0408 775 288.