– Stakeholders debate future of medicines funding system at launch event
A new report, developed by GlaxoSmithKline Australia (GSK) and ViiV Healthcare (ViiV) will be launched as part of an initiative to raise understanding of the medicines development and funding processes in Australia. As the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) celebrates its 75-year anniversary, there is more scrutiny than ever on the system the Australian Federal Government uses to provide universal access to medicines and vaccines, and how the budget is spent.
Recognising many Australians are unaware of the processes involved in bringing new medicines to Australia, GSK and ViiV aim to “pull back the curtain” on the PBS and encourage greater engagement from all members of the community.
Speaking about the initiative, Anne Belcher, VP and General Manager of GSK Pharmaceuticals Australia said, “At GSK and ViiV we want all Australians who need them to be able to benefit from the latest medical advances. However, we understand the conflicting pressures on government budgets and we know that, to maintain universal access, the healthcare system must evolve to continue to deliver as the population and environment change and medical innovation continues.”
Michael Grant, Country Manager, ViiV Healthcare added, “By helping people understand the system better, we hope more Australians will engage in discussions about the future of the PBS, and the broader health system, to make sure the PBS of the future continues to meet the needs of society.”
Alongside the report ‘The PBS in Australia – an explainer on system components’, GSK will run a series of activities with patient groups, political stakeholders and community leaders to raise awareness. The report will be launched in collaboration with the BioMelbourne Network at an event in Melbourne on Friday 16 February. The event panel will debate the successes and tensions within the current system and the areas where it may need to evolve to continue to meet the demands of the Australian population.
Krystal Evans, CEO of BioMelbourne Network said, “We will need resilient and flexible healthcare systems to support ongoing patient access to innovations in healthcare. Collaboration will be essential to achieving this. It is admirable that GSK has taken this initiative forward, bringing views from across the healthcare system, with the ultimate aim to increase understanding and engagement from people who depend on access to medicines – the people who are most impacted by PBS decisions.”
Watch the video or download the report here
ENDS
Press enquiries:
Madeleine Breckon, Head of Communications, GSK Australia & New Zealand
0477 322 431, madeleine.s.breckon@gsk.com
GSK – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information please visit gsk.com.au.
About BioMelbourne Network
BioMelbourne Network is a not-for-profit membership association for organisations engaged in biotechnology, medical technology, pharmaceuticals and health innovation in the State of Victoria.
Playing a critical role in connecting clinicians, researchers, finance and industry, BioMelbourne Network supports and promotes the growth of the sector’s infrastructure and facilitates the development and commercialisation of new drugs, devices, diagnostics and digital health technologies in Melbourne.
