Preventive focus for first Swan budget

Tegan Fleming

Over the next four years, the government expects spending on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to grow at an average rate of just over four per cent (1.9 per cent in real terms), with growth in 2008-2009 expected to be just 2.3 per cent due to PBS reforms.

Patrick Reid, acting national president of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, said the Guild welcomed the 2008 budget and its solid commitment to the health care of all Australians.

"As custodians of the PBS, community pharmacists should be commended for helping to contain the costs of the PBS.

"Only pharmacists will understand the stressful conditions the industry has experienced with constant PBS adjustments and changes to government policy.

"However, this budget validates the commitment community pharmacy has made to a sustainable health system," he said.

Mr Reid also commended the budget's "significant commitment" to preventive health care.

"Areas such as obesity, tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs have been targeted. In all of these areas, community pharmacy has a proven record through our high patient contact and presence in the community to deliver health outcomes.

"The government will establish a number of key task forces, on which it is essential community pharmacy have representation," Mr Reid said.