GoingToMeet

The Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme grew to become an $8.9 billion industry during the 2008-2009 financial year. The scheme “accounts for about one dollar in every 10 spent on the entire health budget” and is forecast to command “3.6% of the nation’s entire GDP by 2042.” (Courier Mail, 25 September 2009). Concerns loom large about the long-term sustainability of the scheme due to its fast growing and high cost nature. Yet, long term sustainability is key to the continued availability of affordable medicines for all Australians. What policy actions are needed to take the PBS into the future? How will the PBS cope with the increasing costs associated with technologic drugs? Will the PBS continue to list drugs for chronic, life-long diseases? These questions and many more will be analysed at the 7th Annual Future of the PBS Forum. The 2010 agenda focuses on PBS policy, regulation, economics and reform as well as the listing process, the pharmaceuticals market and improving the speed of access to innovative drugs through the PBS.