Medicines Australia welcomes more money in the PBS

Medicines Australia welcomes the announcement from the Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP’s that there will be additional funding for the PBS.

Speaking at the Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference (APP2018) this morning, Minister Hunt flagged changes that would ultimately allow for more new medicines to be listed on the PBS earlier and would improve access to the latest in innovative medicines for all Australians.

Minister Hunt has flagged that there will be ‘a very significant provision’ available to fund vital new medicines, following Tuesday’s Budget, and has reinforced the Coalition’s commitment to list all new medicines recommended by the PBAC.

Medicines Australia, who represent the innovative medicines manufacturers in Australia, has consistently communicated to the Minister the need to improve PBS funding; to list new medicines through timely and efficient processes; and to ensure that Australian patients can have access to the new medicines they need, when they need them. We welcome his statements that indicate the Government’s ongoing commitment to the industry.

We note the Government’s intention to change the payment arrangements through the supply chain to resolve pharmacy cash-flow concerns. We will continue to work constructively to ensure that Australian medicines manufacturers are well prepared for the changes that will have an impact on them.

Medicines Australia looks forward to the release of more details in the next week’s Federal Budget.

MA also welcomes the Government’s commitment to ensuring value for money and transparency in all expenditure of the PBS.

-ENDS-

CONTACT:

Natalie Wimmer – 0450 728 660
nwimmer@medaus.com.au