23 May 2019 - Medicines Australia has released a nationwide survey of 2,000 Australian adults, conducted by Nielsen in November 2018, which confirms a very positive sentiment towards medicines and the PBS over and above other Government services. 

However, it also uncovers a need for greater education and awareness on how the PBS is funded by Government. Plus, how its ongoing future and timely access to new medicines can be sustained.

• The majority of Australians place medicines (69%), medical research (65%) alongside hospitals and medical services (75%), public health services (70%), as priority areas for future funding. This is over and above other services, including welfare for the aged (64%), education (63%), and disability welfare (61%).
• While most Australians (87%) believe government needs to allocate funding for the PBS, only one in five (22%) believe the PBS provides access to the most/widest range of medicines/high cost medicines.
• Overwhelmingly, Australians (82%) agree breakthrough treatments should be added to the PBS faster to improve access for Australians who need them.
• Similarly, the majority of Australians (85%) believe the PBS enables better outcomes for those who need it most. In future, they would like to see more subsidised medicines and treatment/therapies for those suffering from serious health issues.

Read Medicines Australia press release