Australian government recognizes value of PBS and vaccines in Federal Budget

Following the announcement of Australia’s 2014-15 Budget today, the pharma Industry trade group Medicines Australia says it welcomes the government’s recognition of the importance of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

“It’s encouraging to see the Australian government has been listening to the medicines industry and honored the investment in the PBS,” said Brendan Shaw, Medicines Australia chief executive, adding: “It’s pleasing that savings generated in the health portfolio will go back into medical research.”

He continued: “The new Medical Research Future Fund will be a positive step forward and we are keen to work with the government to make this research fund a reality. A medical research fund in Australia will create an environment in public and private research which can deliver the results that Australian patients deserve.”