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PBS Changes a Poor Attempt at Cost Control

AMA Vice President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, said today that changes to the PBS due to take effect from 1 August are an inept attempt to pull back the costs of the PBS and direct the flak for this to doctors.

Dr Haikerwal was responding to the Government's announcement that it will make it more difficult for patients to get prescriptions for some drugs.

"Under the authority system, certain prescribed drugs can only be covered by the PBS if the prescribing doctor gets permission from the Health Insurance Commission (HIC).

"Up until now, once the doctor has ensured certain conditions are met they could then provide patients with prescription renewals, without going back to the HIC for permission.

"Under the changes due to take effect this week, doctors will have to apply to the HIC every time a patient needs to renew a prescription for many drugs.

"This means patients will have to attend and pay for a doctor's appointment each time they need a prescription renewal, and doctors will waste valuable time making phone calls to the HIC and filling out paperwork.

"The AMA recognises the success of the PBS in achieving a rational, cost effective system of medication. It has provided access to the best medication at an affordable price for all patients.

"The AMA rejects the Government's removal of ready patient access to a number of drugs that have been off the approval scheme for a long time as being more about rationing than best prescribing practice.

"Doctors will continue to treat patients with the most suitable medication available. It will take more time. It will create more red tape. It will cost the patient more, but patients will still be prescribed drugs according to best practice, appropriate prescribing, and best health outcomes.

"This issue must be resolved. The AMA is calling for a partnership between all the stakeholders - doctors, patients, governments, pharmacists and the pharmaceutical industry - to keep the PBS fair, not discriminatory.

"The Government must recognise that the PBS is a cost-effective means of enhancing the health of all Australians by providing equal access to prescription medicines for all Australians. The poorest and the sickest do not miss out.

"This strategy is designed to reduce 'leakage' or waste. The AMA rejects this notion.

"Doctors prescribe medication only when it is necessary for the best health outcome for the patient.

"The Government has recognised that general practice is being strangled by red tape that saps time and effort, and yet here we have more red tape.

"The real issues of under-funding, community demand, community need and an ageing population must be the Government's priority. Doctors are central to the solution of containing overall health costs.

"Quality prescribing is an investment in the future health of Australians. It prevents other costs to the system further down the track such as hospital admissions. It keeps people well and active," Dr Haikerwal said.

CONTACT: Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / 0408 824306

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