New medicines on PBS a welcome reminder

Medicines Australia today welcomed the announcement of a number of new medicines and new indications for existing medicines to be listed on the PBS.

“This is a welcome reminder that the reforms and the agreement negotiated with Government in 2010 are working,” said Medicines Australia Chief Executive Dr Brendan Shaw.

“Without the significant billions of dollars in savings generated through the price disclosure and other reforms measures over the last few years it would have been more difficult to list these medicines.

“We know that the PBS policies agreed between the Commonwealth and Medicines Australia over the last decade will deliver up to $18 billion in savings.

“These savings provide the financial headroom for the Government to list new medicines in the future and keep the PBS sustainable.

“We are pleased that patients do not have to wait any longer for these lifesaving and life improving medicines to reach those who need them, and they are no longer denied access to affordable treatments brought through the innovation of the pharmaceutical industry.

“It is another example of how working together with Government achieves tangible positive outcomes for all concerned.

“There are obviously a range of issues that need to be addressed in the coming years, but history shows that where governments have worked collaboratively with the industry to develop solutions it has delivered the right outcome for the community.”

-ENDS-

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