Fri 21 March 2025
AdPha welcomes cut to cost of PBS medicines
Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha) welcomes the Albanese Labor Government’s announcement today of an additional cost of living health measure by ensuring more than 400,000 Australians each week pay no more than $25 in co-payments for PBS medicines.
Announced this morning at the Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference by Prime Minister the Hon. Anthony Albanese MP and Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon. Mark Butler MP, AdPha commends the Pharmacy Guild of Australia for its leadership in bringing this election pledge to fruition. AdPha was part of a coalition of 20+ health and community groups who joined forces in a powerful call to action to make medicines more affordable.
AdPha Chief Executive Kristin Michaels applauds the government on this momentous decision which will keep Australians healthier and out of hospitals for longer.
‘It is pleasing to see health remain high on the Albanese Government’s agenda with this morning’s announcement following soon after its recent announced changes to bulk billing.
‘Both measures will bring relief to household budgets, making a significant difference to the lives of Australians while making our health systems stronger.
'Hospital pharmacists around the country are stretched in their crucial roles. Over 250,000 Australians are admitted to hospitals each year due to preventable medication-related harm which can be reduced with more affordable medicines.
‘We look forward to this copayment reduction being implemented from 1 January 2026 as flagged by the Prime Minister, bringing PBS co-payments down to their lowest in over 20 years.
‘On behalf of our members we thank the Pharmacy Guild for their leadership, and our fellow supporting organisations, for their involvement in championing this action. This is another step towards making health more affordable for all Australians.’