US Policy Puts Pressure on Australia’s PBS
13 Nov 2025
Speaking at the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s annual parliamentary dinner, Federal Health Minister Mark Butler warned that US policies, including the move toward most-favoured-nation pricing, could affect the listing of medicines under the PBS. He noted that this may even lead to the delisting of existing medicines, potentially impacting patients and their ability to access affordable treatment.
RACGP Expert Committee – Quality Care Chair Professor Mark Morgan said the potential delisting of PBS medicines would be harmful for patients. “Having a medication removed from the PBS is distressing and can negatively affect patient care,” he said. Professor Morgan emphasised that decisions on delisting must be transparent and include input from both GPs and patients.
Professor Morgan also highlighted broader issues in Australia’s medicine supply, including shortages, limited local manufacturing, and underinvestment in developing treatments for rare conditions. He suggested exploring local manufacturing under licence as a way to reduce reliance on overseas supply.
He further noted the importance of evidence-based prescribing, pointing out that better prescribing decisions could have a greater impact on patient health than marginal benefits from new medications.
Minister Butler’s comments follow US President Donald Trump’s announcement of measures to lower prescription drug prices, requiring pharmaceutical companies to match the lowest prices offered in other developed nations.
Source: RACGP newsGP | Australian Journal of Pharmacy
