GPs Help Drive PBS Support for Wegovy
27 Feb 2026
Dr Remon Eskandar, a GP with recognised extended skills in obesity management, helped lead the push to make semaglutide (sold as Wegovy) more affordable for patients. He believes obesity should be treated as a long-term, complex medical condition — not simply a lifestyle choice.
Working at the Bendigo Healthy Weight Clinic, Dr Eskandar says he regularly sees patients’ lives improve when their weight is better managed with the help of medication. Many have spent 10 to 15 years trying different diets, exercise programs and behaviour changes without lasting success.
But the treatment comes at a high cost. Wegovy can cost between $400 and $800 per month, adding up to around $4500 or more each year. For many patients, this makes it unaffordable.
Dr Eskandar, who is involved with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Specific Interests Obesity Management group, said these prices create a serious gap between those who can afford treatment and those who cannot.
Advocacy for change
Dr Eskandar joined other GPs to write a health equity statement and contact the Federal Health Minister’s office. The group held meetings with national and state government representatives, arguing that obesity should be recognised as a chronic disease.
They said listing Wegovy on the PBS would help prevent costly health problems linked to obesity, such as heart disease, diabetes and obstructive sleep apnoea.
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that in 2022, 66% of Australian adults were overweight or obese.
Knowing the cost to government would be significant, Dr Eskandar suggested focusing first on patients at highest risk — those with severe obesity and cardiovascular disease. He argued there is strong evidence that treatment can reduce heart-related complications and lower hospital costs.
PBAC recommendation
Late last year, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommended Wegovy be listed on the PBS for patients who have already had a cardiovascular event.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has confirmed he is working with manufacturer Novo Nordisk on the next steps.
Dr Eskandar says he is proud of the role GPs played in the process. He believes removing financial barriers will allow more patients to maintain weight loss and reduce their risk of further heart problems.
He also says there may be future cases to expand PBS access to people with other conditions linked to obesity, including liver disease, kidney disease, osteoarthritis and sleep apnoea.
The role of GPs
Dr Eskandar believes GPs are in a strong position to influence policy because they see the real impact of decisions on patients every day.
He says while one doctor alone has limited influence, a united group of GPs working together — through submissions, professional bodies and direct communication with ministers — can create meaningful change for patients across Australia.
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Source: newsGP