PBS
Coalition would ‘free’ pharmacists from clerical work
“The way we handle prescriptions is 20 years out of date”, opposition health spokesperson says The year is 1984 and the Coalition wants to “free pharmacists from clerical duties” to …
May PBAC meeting scheduled
High volume of submissions prompts government to add extra Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee meeting in 2025 The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) will hold an additional full meeting in May …
‘Substantial’ rise in private scripts for opioids
A decline in PBS dispensing of opioid analgesics has been offset by a marked rise in private scripts, particularly for immediate release formulations, new data shows Opioid use in Australia …
‘An obvious void’ left by NPS MedicineWise closure
No one single organisation or person owns QUM following the demise of NPS MedicineWise, say key stakeholders, with some programs still on hold or under review The Quality Use of …
Government’s hands tied on medicinal cannabis PBS listing
Chronic pain patients who are struggling to cover the costs of medicinal cannabis treatments are being urged to talk to their pharmacists Legislation requiring medications to be approved by the …
More progress needed to Close the Gap on Indigenous health
Gaps remain in the provision of healthcare to First Nations Australians, the Productivity Commission finds The Productivity Commission’s (PC’s) latest ‘Closing the Gap’ update says more culturally-safe and convenient holistic …
60-day dispensing falling short of goal
Fewer than one-in-seven eligible prescriptions are being dispensed under the controversial 60-day policy, data reveals Uptake of 60-day prescriptions is lagging behind the Department of Health and Aged Cares forecast …
PBS issues substitution update
Bufomix Easyhaler 400/12 will become substitutable with other PBS-listed brands from 1 July The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) has confirmed an error preventing Bufomix Easyhaler 400/12 (budesonide 400 microgram/actuation + …
PBS drops signature requirement
Government confirms removal of patient signature requirement to acknowledge receipt of a pharmaceutical benefit Amendments to the National Health (Pharmaceutical Benefits) Regulations 2017 announced today (3 April) remove the requirement …
Red tape returns to pharmacy
Pens and paper are set to return to dispensary counters as the exemption for patients to sign for prescriptions expires Requirements for patients to provide written acknowledgement for the receipt …
‘Giving three tablets is nothing’
It’s the most expensive jurisdiction in which to see a GP – yet hospital patients are discharged with as little as a couple of days’ worth of medication Olivia Collenette, …
Government’s listening to patients on ODT: Butler
Minister says government is committed to ensuring affordable access to ODT Transitional arrangements for patients undergoing opioid dependence treatment (ODT) with private providers will remain in place until 30 June …