Independent MP supports AMA push for cheaper medicines
More voices joining the AMA’s advocacy to government calling for changes to prescribing rules.
Prominent independent MP Dr Monique Ryan has thrown her weight behind the AMA’s push for changes to prescribing which would allow patients to access two month’s supply of medicines.
Dr Ryan called on the government to implement these changes in parliament this week.
“This change would help take the pressure off our GPs — saving unnecessary routine visits just to get repeat scripts — and would reduce the cost of medications for Australians living with chronic disease. We know that the cost of medications is a key reason for many Australians delaying or failing to fill prescriptions. Time spent away from work for GP visits and trips to the pharmacist impacts productivity.”
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has similarly asked for the proposed changes to prescribing amounts.
These events follow a letter sent from AMA President Professor Steve Robson to the Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler in February, in which Professor Robson urged the government to implement the recommendations of the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to increase the maximum dispensed quantities on selected PBS items from one month’s supply to two month’s supply.
“The failure to implement this independent recommendation is costing both patients and the taxpayer,” Professor Robson said.
“This is one simple change that could be introduced tomorrow that would improve access to medicines while maintaining safety.”
