Coalition medicines plan good for retirees, economy - 5 August 2010
Medicines Australia chief executive Dr Brendan Shaw today welcomed the Coalition’s election commitment to expand eligibility to the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card by indexing the income threshold to inflation.
Dr Shaw said the Coalition plan would improve access to prescription medicines for Australian seniors.
“This is the first major announcement about the PBS of the federal election campaign and it is a positive one,” Dr Shaw said.
“This initiative will ensure that those seniors who need medicines are able to afford them.
“As our population ages, innovative medicines will play an increasingly important role in helping to treat high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and other debilitating conditions.
“The Coalition’s announcement is about enabling access to one of the key tools for ensuring a healthy and productive ageing Australia.
“It also recognises that the PBS is sustainable and that investment in medicines should be regarded as a savings mechanism rather than a cost.
“Innovative medicines help control healthcare costs by preventing the need for care at public hospitals, shortening stays in hospitals where they are required and relieving the costs of other institutional care. In short, they help people lead longer, better and more productive lives.
“I congratulate the Coalition on this positive initiative which will benefit retirees and the economy.”
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Contact Person:
Jamie Nicholson
Media Communications Manager
Phone: 0419 220 293
Email: Jamie.Nicholson@medicinesaustralia.com.au