GMiA urges PBS savings
November 27, 2013
The Generic Medicines Industry
Association has made a submission
to the National Commission of
Audit established by the federal
government last month, outlining
“acitivites to improve efficiency and
eliminate wasteful spending on the
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme”.
The Commission of Audit aims to
examine the scope for efficiency
and productivity improvements
across all areas of spending and
will report to the Prime Minister,
Treasurer and Finance Minister
early next year.
GMiA said it believes efficiency
benefits can be achieved “through
the introduction of sensible policies
that promote and encourage
the uptake of affordable generic
medicines and ensure the ongoing
viability of the generic medicines
sector”.
The association is urging the
enablement of a reimbursement
pathway for Similar Biological
Medicinal Products, as well as
dis-incentivising the practice of
“evergreening” of branded drugs.
“The benefits flowing from a
viable generic medicines sector are
significant,” GMiA said, with PBS
spending falling for the first time
ever in 2012-13.
“It is the impact of price
disclosure on the prices of generic
medicines that is driving efficiency
and delivering savings,” GMiA said.
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