RACGP helps 20% value reduce for PBS medicines

The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has backed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler’s announcement of a value reduce for Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines from $31.06 to $25 from 1 January 2026.

This builds on earlier Government motion to scale back price of dwelling pressures on sufferers together with the introduction of 60-day prescriptions to scale back prices for sufferers in 2023, which the RACGP and different well being, medical, and affected person teams strongly backed.

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright mentioned inexpensive medicines and the PBS are an integral part of well being entry.

“Healthcare is a fundamental right, and a key part of that is knowing that when we prescribe an essential medicine, our patients will be able to access it without cost being a burden,” he mentioned.

“Our sufferers will welcome this modification. Following the inflation we’ve all skilled, it’s uncommon for the price of one thing important to lower.

“These are extra actual financial savings from Government for many of our sufferers’ price of dwelling. The estimated $200 million saved every year will compound with the $1.6 billion in savings for patients the Albanese Government locked in by its 60 day shelling out reforms.

“The change to allow GPs and other prescribers to prescribe 60 days of medication for patients with stable conditions put patients first, and we back further savings for the three in five Australians who live with chronic disease.”

The RACGP President additionally reiterated the very important function of the PBS in inexpensive care.

“High-quality general practice care and the PBS are both crucial for ensuring everyone has affordable access to the care and medicine they need,” Dr Wright mentioned.

“A robust PBS means Australia brings each a necessary market and a strong voice to negotiations, regardless of us being a smaller nation.

“The PM, the Treasurer, and Minister Butler have proven the ability of the PBS to ship inexpensive medicines isn’t up for negotiation.

“It’s a strong and clear position from our government, and the correct one.”