Safeguarding veterans’ pharmaceutical benefits

[ColinS]

The Hon Dan Tehan MP
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC

Back to Media Releases & Speeches entry page


1 July 2017



Safeguarding veterans’ pharmaceutical benefits

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan today announced additional funding to ensure Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) clients would continue to have access to pharmaceuticals through the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS).

“From 1 July 2017, the Australian Government will provide $663,000 in additional funding over five years for 35 pharmaceutical items,” said Mr Tehan.

“The funding will safeguard the availability of 34 items, one new listing and the addition of five generic brands.”

The generic brands treat insomnia, skin cancer, fungal mouth infections, diarrhoea and assist in preserving bone mineral density.

Microdacyn, a sterile irrigation solution that assists in the treatment of wounds and is applied as a topical wound healing agent, will be added to the RPBS.

These additions reflect new therapies becoming available, generic brands coming onto the market and pharmaceutical sponsors seeking to vary prices.

“The Australian Government is continuously exploring ways to provide more pharmaceutical options at a lower cost to veterans,” Mr Tehan said.

“Australia will always be grateful to our veterans for the service they have provided to the nation. Ensuring access to affordable medications is one way the Government demonstrates our appreciation.”

The full list of changed items is available at: New, Amended and Deleted Items.