Patients waiting on life saving medicines will get a sweetener in this week's budget with the Federal Government spending $1.3 billion on subsidies for new drugs.

Health minister Sussan Ley said medications for melanoma, breast cancer and blindness would now be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

"Access to new medicines is crucial if we're to help Australians beat life-threatening diseases such as cancer, as well as overcome chronic and degenerative conditions that can rob them of their independence," Ms Ley said.

"However, new drugs often come with an expensive price tag often out of reach for many patients."

The funding for new cancer drugs is part of a bigger push to improve detection and treatment of cancer, with more details to be unveiled next week.

For more details, go to: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-09/13-billion-to-fund-life-saving-drugs/6456622