Pharmacists welcome commitment to reducing PBS patient co-payment

20 March 2025

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) applauds the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to reduce the maximum patient co-payment on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listed medications from $31.60 to $25.

 

The move will save Australians $689 million over the next four years.

 

PSA stood side-by-side with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and more than 20 other health and community groups to call on the government to make medicines more affordable.

 

In welcoming the announcement, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said: “Medicines are no good if you can’t afford to take them.”

 

“Pharmacists see firsthand the challenges faced by patients struggling to afford the medicines they need.

 

“Australians are proud of the PBS, our world-leading system promoting equitable access to medicines for over 70 years. Ensuring affordability remains at the heart of this system is critical to supporting medication adherence and positive health outcomes.

 

“Cost should never be a barrier to accessing medicines you’ve been prescribed for your health, and this commitment will help to ensure that more Australians can take their medicines as directed, reducing the risk of preventable complications and hospitalisations.”
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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au