Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, President AMA Victoria, with Rebecca Carmody, ABC Radio 'The World Today'

The Australian Medical Association has mixed views about the listing of Viagra to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Victorian President, Mukesh Haikerwal, says the scheme is already under enormous strain due to the popularity of anti-smoking and arthritis drugs.

HAIKERWAL: I am concerned, however, that the $4 billion plus, the PBS is currently costing, may increase at the expense of life-saving drugs.

CARMODY: Well, given that dilemma then, do you think the Federal Government should go ahead and approve Viagra?

HAIKERWAL: I think there has to be a commitment to providing Australians with the best quality of health care and the best available medication, and to actually ensure that there is funding for those two programs.

CARMODY: The Australian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers' Association represents drug companies such as Pfizer. Chief Executive, Alan Evans, says the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Council (PBAC) has greatly exaggerated the cost to taxpayers of subsidising Viagra.

EVANS: Well, I think it's an entirely appropriate recommendation when the (PBAC), particularly when you look at the very tight restrictions in which it can be prescribed. It's only for people with diabetes or who are suffering problems of male impotence from spinal injuries.

I'm also concerned that there's some suggestion that the cost is going to be as high as it is. In fact, when I've looked at the information and the recommendation of the PBAC, the maximum it could cost is $18 million per year.

CARMODY: If approved, cheap Viagra would only be available to men with a medical condition such as diabetes or those with spinal injuries. Impotence caused by depression would not be covered.

Ends