Pharmacy Daily | PBS is integral to Australia

THE Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme has become an integral and trusted part of Australian life, according to Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who added that she “can’t imagine this country without it”. Speaking to delegates at the Medicines Australia parliamentary dinner last week, Gillard reassured the industry that despite having to make some “tough decisions and difficult conversions” to the PBS, the scheme is efficient and sustainable and will be a “certainty to Australian families for years to come”. “I’m here tonight because I’m grateful that Medicines Australia made those conversations constructive and professional,” Gillard said. “With goodwill and compromise on all sides, we’ve found way through and we will continue to work with you to ensure the sustainability of the Pharmaceuticals Benefits Scheme. “The Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and Medicines Australia on behalf of industry is but one way we can provide certainty for both parties,” she added. Addressing delegates, Gillard described the MoU as a template of effective and respectful engagement for those in the industry who would seek to influence government. MEANWHILE the Prime Minister also took the opportunity to acknowledge the pharmaceutical industry and “its magnificent contribution to the health of our people and the productivity of our nation”. “You are a great Australian success story, and on behalf of the nation, I honour your success tonight,” she said. Backing up her praise, Gillard said “I often talk about the new economy growing from the opportunities of the Asian century and a future based on skills and innovation [and] your industry encapsulates exactly what I’m talking about”.

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