AS Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) draws increased criticism from the US pharmaceutical lobby, the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has emphasised its essential role in ensuring Australian patients can afford essential medicines.

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the PBS is one of Australia’s most important programs for health access and equity, “ensuring everyone has affordable access to the care they need”.

“As GPs, we know our patients can’t and shouldn’t pay the price of US-style healthcare,” Wright added.

“The PBS means when we prescribe the treatments our patients need, we know they will be able to access them at an affordable price.”

The college also praised the Federal Government’s staunch defence of the program in the face of pressure from overseas interests (PD 18 Jul).

The post GPs back govt defence of PBS appeared first on Pharmacy Daily.