Here’s a breakdown of the key points from the provided text:
Mark Butler‘s Response to Pushback on Changes (Likely related to GP bulk billing):
“Proof of the pudding will be in the eating”: He believes the true impact of the changes will be seen as practices crunch the numbers and make decisions before November 1st.
Skepticism vs. Action: While some doctors are skeptical, many practices have already decided to return to full bulk billing from november 1st.
Government’s role: As the government doesn’t employ doctors (unlike the UK’s NHS), their role is to “calibrate the policy carefully” to benefit as many practices as possible responsibly, using taxpayer dollars. He believes they have achieved this.
Donald Trump’s executive Order on Drug Pricing and it’s Impact on Australia:
Uncertainty about US Governance’s Intentions: Australia is unclear about the US administration’s plans for pharmaceuticals. Conflicting data on Tariffs: There have been conflicting statements from the US administration regarding potential tariffs on pharmaceuticals, with timelines ranging from 12-24 months to potentially the end of the current month.
Global Uncertainty: The timing and nature of any US actions in the pharmaceutical sector are being understood globally.
Focus on Australian Patients: Despite the uncertainty, Australia is continuing its “good medicines policy” for Australian patients. Exciting New Alzheimer’s Drug (Donanemab):
This drug is considered “really exciting” in the dementia space, which hasn’t seen meaningful innovation in 40 years. It has already been approved by the therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
It’s currently being considered by PBS experts, with decisions expected in coming weeks.
Australia is actively working to make medicines cheaper and list new ones on the PBS.
concern about US Manufacturers’ Pricing: Sarah Ferguson raises the concern that US manufacturers might refuse Australia’s desired price for drugs like Donanemab due to Trump’s orders.
Butler’s Stance on Drug Pricing:
US and European manufacturers naturally seek higher profits globally, which is not a new issue.
Australia’s job is to use its “buying power” as a federal government to negotiate the best prices for medicines for taxpayers.
This is a long-standing issue, with John Howard also dealing with it during the US free trade agreement negotiations.
His priority is to secure the best possible price and then lower it for Australian consumers.