Health Minister Sussan Ley has confirmed the government will tackle "perverse incentives" in the health system by removing over-the-counter medications - such as Panadol, aspirin and antacids - from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in the May budget.

The change will mean that pensioners and other concession card holders can not receive pain killers and other products, such as anti-dandruff shampoo and laxatives, for free with a doctor's script once they reach the annual PBS safety net.

After receiving around 60 scripts a year, concession card holders can currently access over-the-counter medications for free even though they are available cheaply and without a prescription at supermarkets.

For more details, go to: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/sussan-ley-confirms-pharmaceutical-benefits-scheme-crackdown-in-may-budget-20150426-1mtxx9.html