The Coalition welcomes Australian women having affordable access to a number of important women’s health medicines and treatments, but this is long overdue.
Today, Ryeqo, Slinda and Pergoveris have been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the benefit of women and girls across Australia. These listings are supported by the Coalition.
However, the delay in Australian women being provided affordable access to these treatments is a clear result of the Albanese Labor Government’s mismanagement of the PBS.
Ryeqo was recommended by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) on 13 March 2024 for Australian women suffering from the often-debilitating impacts of endometriosis.
Disgracefully, the Albanese Government has waited more than 12 months to finally progress the recommendation and list this potentially life-changing medication on the PBS.
Similarly, Slinda and Pergoveris were recommended for listing on the PBS more than 4 months ago.
Shadow Minister for Health, Senator Anne Ruston said that Australian women and girls should not have to wait for the eve of an election for the Albanese Government to take these important listings seriously.
“It is absolutely critical that Australian women have affordable access to the medications and treatments they need, especially right now as they face record high healthcare costs,” Shadow Minister Ruston said.
“It is incredibly concerning that the Albanese Government has delayed listing potentially lifechanging medications, particularly for Australian women suffering from endometriosis and fertility challenges.
“It is not good enough to leave these women waiting for more than a year.
“This follows the Albanese Government’s outrageous decision to put a cap on the number of new medicines that can be considered for listing on the PBS for the first time in history.
“The Government’s failure to manage the Budget efficiently has resulted in unnecessary delays in the listing of crucial PBS medicines, directly impacting the health and wellbeing of Australians who need them most.
“Prioritising women’s health remains a top priority of the Coalition, as we remain strongly committed to our longstanding policy of listing all PBAC-recommended medicines on the PBS, and in a timely manner.”
A Dutton Coalition Government will invest more than $582 million to continue our strong record of supporting women’s health, including by guaranteeing cheaper medicines and targeted healthcare for women through a review of the MBS and PBS to ensure affordable quality care is available when they need it.
“Whether it is helping women who live with chronic health conditions like endometriosis, supporting women with menopause, or helping families on their fertility journey, we are committed to getting the policy settings right,” Shadow Minister Ruston said.
“We want to ensure that women across Australia can access healthcare that is not only affordable but also understands their experience and needs.”
ENDS
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