A poll conducted as part of a campaign to improve access to cancer drugs has found more support for subsidised medicines than the Abbott government’s proposed $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund.

The Cancer Drugs Alliance of pharmaceutical companies, doctors and health groups commissioned Newspoll to test public views on subsidies provided under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The alliance will today release a white paper to urge the government to provide cancer patients with faster and more affordable access to medicines.

As might be expected, the poll of 1200 people found support for subsidies for drugs that treat curable cancers (97 per cent), drugs that ease the pain of terminal cancer (95 per cent), and drugs that extend the life of patients with terminal cancer (76 per cent).

While 82 per cent generally supported the establishment of the future fund, which has been delayed by the government’s inability to implement various GP co-payment policies, it was not more important than drug subsidies.

The Newspoll found 61 per cent of people believed drug subsidies were a higher priority than the research fund, while 33 per cent backed the research fund and six per cent did not know.

For more details, go to: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/health/poll-finds-backing-for-cancer-drug-subsidies/story-fn59nokw-1227276019238