DOCTORS REFORM SOCIETY

Media Release

 

Friday, 17 November 2006

  

GOVERNMENT FAVOURS PHARMACISTS OVER PATIENTS

 

"The Health Minister's announcement about decreased costs of generic drugs is a clear indication of the low value the Government puts on the daily financial struggles of our patients," said Dr Tim Woodruff, President, Doctors Reform Society

 

Mr. Abbott said that the "difference in what Australians pay for drugs compared to say in the United Kingdom is mostly accruing to pharmacists by way of discounts."

 

"His response is a $1.1 billion payout to pharmacists to thank them for not passing on those discounts to patients over the last decade," said Dr Woodruff. "Instead that $1.1 billion could have been passed back to patients with reduced copayments so that they receive some of the huge benefits of the Government paying the real price for drugs, many of which have been sold by the drug industry at inflated prices for years."

 

"The ingredients of Prozac costs $0.11 for 100 doses but sell for over $100 despite it being off patent. Most other drugs are also ridiculously overpriced. Our patients on 4 to 6 prescriptions a month are faced with a bill of $120-180 a month. They could be saving over $30 a month if the 25% cut was passed onto them."

 

"One has to ask who is the Government's first concern?" said Dr Woodruff. "Is it the people of Australia struggling with a myriad of illnesses on tight budgets, or the highly profitable pharmaceutical and pharmacy industries?"

 

 

 

For further information please contact the Doctors Reform Society during business hours

 

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