Health Minister Sussan Ley wants agreement with the entire pharmaceutical sector on $3 billion in savings to be announced in the Budget.
Following weeks of speculation, Ms Ley confirmed during an interview with ABC Radio Monday morning that the Budget will include a raft of PBS savings measures.
While confirming that she had asked the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee for advice on delisting a range of medicines also available over-the-counter, Ms Ley also confirmed her intention to finalise negotiation of the Sixth Community Pharmacy Agreement and to secure agreement with manufacturers on savings measures.
She said that over-the-counter medicines should only be funded through the PBS on the advice of the PBAC.
Ms Ley said it was her aim to make savings so that the PBS was sustainable and able to accomodate emerging therapies to treat cancers and other conditions.
"The whole of the medicines supply chain are part of the discussion," she said, "so it's complex, but I have to say it's going well and I'm looking forward to a good agreement being reached by all."
She reiterated that "there's no new money" to fund new listings, "so offsets need to be found."
