PBS authority system - a bureaucratic obstacle to better health outcomes
Chair of the AMA Therapeutics Committee, Dr Robyn Napier, said today that the Government's authority system for prescribing certain drugs is a bureaucratic obstacle that puts budget savings ahead of best possible health outcomes for patients.
Speaking at The Future of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme conference in Sydney, Dr Napier said Authority Prescribing System's concentration on cost saving rather than promoting the quality use of medicines (QUM) was a failure of the QUM policy.
"It is clear that the Government's authority system for prescribing certain pharmaceuticals under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) makes it more difficult for patients to get prescriptions for some drugs," Dr Napier said.
"The system makes it difficult for doctors to prescribe those drugs, regardless of clinical best practice for the individual needs of every patient.
"The Government should be using the QUM framework to ensure that the PBS is as cost effective as possible without compromising the health and quality of life of patients.
"The Government's removal of ready patient access to a number of authority drugs is more about rationing than best prescribing practice."
The AMA does not believe the Authority Prescribing System is the best way to achieve compliance with the PBS Schedule.
Dr Napier said the whole process seems designed to slow things down for economic reasons, instead of facilitating the enhancement of patient care or outcomes.
"A bad system got worse in August when the authority process was made more rigorous and extended to cover more drugs.
"The bureaucratisation of the PBS is putting life-saving and life-enhancing drugs further out of the reach of the poorest and the sickest Australians.
"Quality prescribing is an investment in the future health of all Australians.
"The Government must understand that access to appropriate medication is a vital and cost-effective measure.
"The PBS saves the Australian health system and the Australian economy billions of dollars through its effective treatment and prevention of diseases which otherwise would hospitalise people and take them out of the workforce," Dr Napier said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761