A no surprise budget for health in Australia

Pharma trade body Medicines Australia has welcomed the Anthony Albanese’s government Budget announced by Treasurer Jim Chalmers Tuesday, which takes steps towards addressing economic pressures and introduces new funding for Prescription Benefit Scheme (PBS) listings.

Medicines Australia chief executive, Elizabeth de Somer, said: "Tonight’s budget concentrates on alleviating the costs of living pressures and sets into motion election commitments. As expected, this budget is a prelude to the May budget, where we would hope to see increased investment in health innovations, medicines and technologies that improve lives and save lives."

The maximum cost of general scripts under the PBS has fallen for the first time in 75 years. From January 1, 2023, the PBS general co-payment will be lowered from A$42.50 ($27.23) to A$30 a script, saving about 3.6 million Australians A$190 million in out-of-pocket costs a year. In addition, A$1.4 billion will be provided for new and amended listings on the PBS.