Government recognises value of PBS and vaccines in Federal Budget

Medicines Australia welcomes the Australian Government’s recognition of the importance of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in the 2014-15 Federal Budget.

“It’s encouraging to see the Australian Government has been listening to the medicines industry and honoured the investment in the PBS,” Dr Brendan Shaw, Medicines Australia Chief Executive said.

“It’s pleasing that savings generated in the health portfolio will go back into medical research.

“The new Medical Research Future Fund will be a positive step forward and we are keen to work with the Government to make this research fund a reality.

“A medical research fund in Australia will create an environment in public and private research which can deliver the results that Australian patients deserve.

Dr Shaw also acknowledged the Government decision to increase patient contributions by increasing co-payments.

“We know that increases in co-payments may result in patients not filling their scripts and that skipping medicines can lead to adverse patient outcomes and more costly medical interventions, including hospital admissions, in future,” Dr Shaw said.

“We recognise that the government needs to make changes to keep the health system sustainable and we’ve already done the hard yards, but we are pleased the PBS has been recognised as a national treasure.

“We look forward to working cooperatively with the Government to maintain and improve access to medicines, vaccines and emerging technologies for patients.”

-ENDS-

Contact Person:

Alexia Vlahos
Phone: (02) 6122 8503
Email: Alexia.Vlahos@medicinesaustralia.com.au