The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to lover the maximum Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) patient co-payment from $31.60 to $25.
The policy, expected to save Australians $689 million over 4 years, aims to improve medication affordability and adherence.
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS highlights the impact of medicine costs on patient health.
“Medicines are no good if you can’t afford to take them,” she says.
“Pharmacists see firsthand the challenges faced by patients struggling to afford the medicines they need.
“Cost should never be a barrier to accessing medicines you’ve been prescribed for your health, and this commitment will help to ensure that more Australians can take their medicines as directed, reducing the risk of preventable complications and hospitalisations.”
The PSA joined forces with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and over 20 other health and community groups, calling on the government to make medicines more affordable
“Australians are proud of the PBS, our world-leading system promoting equitable access to medicines for over 70 years.
“Ensuring affordability remains at the heart of this system is critical to supporting medication adherence and positive health outcomes,” says Associate Professor Fei.
