Importance of affordable healthcare to Australians; survey

Access to affordable healthcare, including fast access to new medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), is the second most important priority for Australians behind cost of living, data from the latest Mood of the Nation survey by SEC Newgate shows.

The survey of 1,611 Australians found 68% believe the government should be investing more to ensure quality affordable healthcare for all Australians and rank it as the second most important priority behind reducing cost increases for household bills and other essential expenses.

Nearly three quarters of Australians (74%) believe the government should subside the best medicines available, even if it means more of a cost to taxpayers.