Fed: Abbott rejects claims of higher prices, flood of US drugs

AAP General News (Australia)
02-10-2004
Fed: Abbott rejects claims of higher prices, flood of US drugs

Health Minister TONY ABBOTT has rejected claims that taxpayers will have to foot the
bill for large quantities of American drugs being sold into Australia through the free
trade agreement.

Mr ABBOTT says he can guarantee the price of drugs under the Pharmaceutical Benefits
Scheme won't rise.

He's told ABC radio the legislation won't be changed and the Pharmaceutical Benefits
Advisory Committee, or PBAC, will remain the gatekeeper to the system.

Under the PBS, the government subsidises the cost of medicines which are assessed as
providing benefit to the community.

Former PBAC member Professor DAVID HENRY says the government can't guarantee prices
won't rise, and he says the proposed new PBAC appeal process has far-reaching implications.

AAP RTV mb/as/jmt

KEYWORD: TRADE US ABBOTT (CANBERRA)

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