NPS hopes for better data
November 11, 2010
NPS says that new legislation
before the Parliament is likely to
significantly improve the
transparency of how the
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is
working in Australia.
The National Health Amendment
(Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme)
Bill 2010 allows for the capture of
information about prescriptions
dispensed under the PBS which are
priced lower than the co-payment.
“Currently, the cost to consumers
for under co-payment medicines is
inaccessible and this new measure
is a step in the right direction
towards improving transparency,”
said NPS ceo Dr Lynn Weekes.
“For many years, NPS and other
industry stakeholders have sought
stronger provisions for collecting
data about PBS prescriptions that
do not attract a co-payment, in
order to have accurate information
about Australian’s medicines use,”
she said.
“From the perspective of quality
use of medicines, access to
complete information about
prescribing, dispensing and usage
of medicines is a key factor in being
able to identify areas for
improvement,” Weekes added
NPS said improvements in
transparency would also help paint
a clearer picture for people to
understand their medicines choices.
Weekes said NPS was keen to see
commitment from across the sector
to ensure the sustainability and
stability of the PBS.
“The measures for statutory price
reductions and price disclosure will
not only support the financial
viability of the PBS, but through this
stability enable the sector to bring
quality and safety of prescribing to
the forefront,” Weekes concluded.
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