Australian Govt should play hard ball - hands of the PBS
AMA Vice President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, said today the Government must categorically rule out any possible inclusion of Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in the US Australian free trade deal.
AM reported today that US pharmaceutical companies are insisting that the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) be subject to competition rules and market forces.
Dr Haikerwal said the drugs on the Australian PBS are cheaper than drugs in the US because of the reference pricing system under which the Australian PBS negotiates lower than US market prices for pharmaceuticals.
"If this protection disappears, rich US drug companies stand to benefit at Australian taxpayers' expense by forcing Australians to pay unregulated, highly inflated, American prices for their medications.
"If the giant US drug companies get their way, Australian patients could be paying at least twice as much for their prescription medicines in the future while many would go without.
"The Australian Government must not allow the interests of US drug companies to take precedence over the health needs of Australians.
"Despite reassurances, it is clear the US agenda would put Australia's health at risk.
"Our PBS ensures excellent health outcomes for all Australians. It's not up for grabs.
"The dreadful American experience of health inequality must not become a reality in Australia.
"For over half a century, the PBS has kept Australians among the healthiest people in the world.
"The PBS is an internationally admired system. It keeps people well, out of hospital and frees up resources in other areas of the health system.
"Our investment in the PBS pays huge health dividends, and must be protected.
"No free trade agreement is worth trading for the health of Australians," Dr Haikerwal said.
CONTACT: Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306