Healthy Skepticism Library item: 4771

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Couzos S.
PBS medications--improving access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Aust Fam Physician 2005 Oct; 34:(10):841-4
http://www.racgp.org.au/document.asp?id=18314

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Expenditure through major commonwealth funded health programs such as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is much lower for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples than other Australians. Section 100 of the National Health Act (1953) allows for special access arrangements where pharmaceutical benefits cannot be conveniently supplied. OBJECTIVE: This article discusses the barriers to accessing PBS medications for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the S100 access scheme. DISCUSSION: The implementation of S100 medications for remote area Aboriginal health services (AHSs) represents a breakthrough in medicines access, and is one of the most significant improvements in health service delivery for many years. If we are to achieve equity in access to the PBS for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, an extension of this initiative is necessary for rural and urban AHSs.

Keywords:
Australia Drug Industry/organization & administration Drugs, Essential/supply & distribution Formularies Geography Health Services Accessibility/economics* Health Services, Indigenous/economics* Humans Insurance, Pharmaceutical Services* National Health Programs* Oceanic Ancestry Group/statistics & numerical data* Socioeconomic Factors