No consultation on PBS pricing policy changes disappointing

Medicines Australia is extremely disappointed with the Government’s decision today to make further cuts to the PBS.

“The fact that the Government’s announcement today was made without any consultation with industry is particularly disappointing,” said Dr Brendan Shaw, Medicines Australia Chief Executive.

“This industry has collaborated effectively with governments on PBS savings and improvements since the 2007 PBS reforms and is one of Australia’s leading innovative industries, so for it not to be consulted on the changes flagged in today’s statement is, frankly, extraordinary.

“Today’s announcement undermines the collaborative work that was achieved between Government and industry in the 2010 Memorandum of Understanding.

“These measures come at a time when independent analysis shows PBS listings of new medicines are at an all-time low and that the PBS is growing at historically low growth rates.

“It is absolutely clear now that the key PBS policy issue for the future is to ensure that new therapies are listed on the PBS in a timely manner.

“For this policy change to be announced without consultation is a disappointing signal to one of Australia’s leading innovation and export industries”.

“Previous price disclosure arrangements agreed by industry have been delivering savings to the Government leading to a series of downward revisions of PBS spending estimates since their introduction.

“Price disclosure arrangements have always been subject to extensive consultation between Government and industry to ensure that a viable industry is maintained and patient’s access to medicines is not compromised,” Dr Shaw said.

-ENDS-

Contact Person:

Emma Pearson
Phone: (02) 8281 3280
Email:
 emma@ogilvyprhealth.com