Stability in the Australia's PBS relies on increased use of generic medicines

Australia’s Generic Medicines Industry Association (GMiA) welcomes the Health Debate at the National Press Club this week between the Health Minster Tanya Plibersek and Shadow Health Minister Peter Dutton where the discussion on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) took center stage. The GMiA applauds Shadow Minister Dutton for committing to the ongoing stability of the PBS and the listing process.

Minister Plibersek highlighted the price cuts that have occurred to 2,500 medicines under price disclosure. Under the pricing rules of the PBS, specifically expanded and accelerated price disclosure (EAPD), each time a generic medicine is dispensed instead of the original brand of the medicine, the government and taxpayers’ bank savings.

The fact is that EAPD is reducing the price of medicines and it is generic medicines that are driving saving to the PBS. Whilst there is no difference when it comes to safety, efficacy and quality, there is a difference when it comes to price between generic and original brand medicines, says the GMiA.