AMA Supports 'White Paper' on the future of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today the AMA supports the call by Medicines Australia for a White Paper on the future of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) - but for very different reasons.
Dr Phelps said while Medicines Australia is, understandably, primarily concerned about the impact of PBS arrangements on the pharmaceutical industry, the AMA's major concern is with the impact on patients and the overall quality of the health care system.
"The Government's PBS Budget measures this year proved that the accessibility and affordability of the PBS are under threat, but the PBS is too important to the Australian community to be left to the mercy of Government 'razor gangs' at Budget time each year," Dr Phelps said.
"A proper long term plan set out by a White Paper is the way to go.
"A PBS White Paper White Paper should:
Highlight the positive features of our world class health system and the role of pharmaceuticals in that system
Examine the effectiveness of the existing National Medicines Policy in the areas of quality, safety and efficacy
Investigate the factors contributing to the growth of the PBS and link them to positive health outcomes in the short and long terms, and how a successful PBS may be taking pressure off other parts of the health system
Review PBS policy and funding to ensure the community is benefiting from equitable access to medicines.
"The Government should proceed with a PBS White Paper, and engage in broad inclusive consultation with all the stakeholders.
"The Government would need to work closely with the AMA, the Pharmacy Guild, the medical colleges, consumer groups and other health care organisations in the National Health Care Alliance to ensure a balanced view.
"The priority of PBS should be preserving lives and improving the quality of life for Australians, not economic rationalism," Dr Phelps said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761