11 November 2010

Following the Community Affairs Legislation Committee inquiry this week into the National Health Amendment (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) Bill 2010, NPS is hopeful this new legislation will provide a more complete picture of how the PBS is working to meet the medicines needs of Australians.

“We are particularly keen to see the realisation of improved data collection which is proposed by this bill,” NPS CEO, Dr Lynn Weekes said.  

“For many years, NPS and other industry stakeholders have sought stronger provisions for collecting data about PBS prescriptions that do not attract a co-payment, in order to have accurate information about Australians’ medicines use.”

The new bill allows for the capture of information about scripts dispensed under the PBS which are priced lower than the co-payment. Currently, the cost to consumers for under co-payment medicines is inaccessible and this new measure is a step in the right direction towards improving transparency.

From the perspective of quality use of medicines, access to complete information about prescribing, dispensing and usage of medicines is a key factor in being able to identify areas for improvement.

Any improvements in transparency will also help paint a clearer picture for people to understand their medicines choices.

“As an independent organisation dedicated to helping Australians be medicinewise, NPS is keen to see commitment from government, the medicines industry and the health sector more broadly in ensuring the sustainability and stability of the PBS,” said Dr Weekes.

“The measures for statutory price reductions and price disclosure will not only support the financial viability of the PBS, but through this stability enable the sector to bring quality and safety of prescribing to the forefront.”

ENDS

Independent, evidence-based and not-for-profit, NPS enables better decisions about medicines and medical tests.We are funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.