The Consumers Health Forum is backing the move to remove common painkillers from the PBS.
Health Minister Sussan Ley has confirmed that she has sought advice from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee on delisting some medicines already available over-the-counter, including paracetamol and a number of other analgesics, with the measure expected to be formally announced in the Budget.
"It is common sense for the Government to remove these relatively risk-free medicines from the PBS if the result is lower costs to both consumer and taxpayer," the Chief Executive Officer of the CHF, Leanne Wells, said.
"The Minister has indicated those savings, running into millions of dollars, could help fund new life-saving drugs," she said.
"There have been suggestions that the removal of these analgesics from the PBS will mean that it will take longer for chronically ill people to reach the safety net threshold to qualify for cost-free medicines.
"This does not seem to be a valid argument for continuing a costly subsidy when the consumer can buy the same product at a supermarket for much less and when savings to taxpayers can help finance life-supporting drugs.
"At the same time there are steps to tighten access to stronger painkillers like codeine and to make these prescription-only. This raises the problem of potential barriers for low-income patients who may find it difficult to afford a visit to the doctor.
"What all of these measures emphasise is the need for doctors and pharmacists to advise patients and customers of the benefits and risks of a medication.
"In the same way that many GPs already give patients a lifestyle script, they can also include a 'script' for Panadol already available at low cost through retail outlets as part of an overall treatment plan, Ms Wells said.
"The ongoing and serious problem of prescription painkiller misuse may also be countered by deploying the real-time monitoring system pharmacies already have for identifying and stopping the illicit trafficking in pseudoephedrine products. This sort of system could be expanded to include painkillers to ensure OTC availability for those who have genuine need for painkillers while also discouraging abuse," Ms Wells said.
