As the cost of living continues to rise, many Australians are searching for ways to ease financial pressure, particularly when it comes to healthcare. In a welcome development, the federal government has announced new measures to lower the cost of essential medications, providing much-needed relief to thousands of people across the country.
More medications will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), making them more affordable. The PBS is part of the government’s National Medicines Policy, which provides ‘timely, reliable and affordable access to necessary medicines for Australians.
Starting 1 May, a new drug called Ryeqo will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), making it more affordable for the approximately 8,500 Australian women who suffer from endometriosis each year.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain and potentially impacting fertility. The listing of Ryeqo is a significant step forward, as it offers a new treatment option for those who have not found adequate relief from other hormonal treatments and painkillers.
The importance of this development cannot be overstated, given that one in seven Australian women are affected by endometriosis.
The symptoms of this condition are highly variable, which contributes to an average delay in diagnosis of six-and-a-half years, according to Endometriosis Australia. By making Ryeqo more accessible, the government is addressing a critical need in women’s healthcare and potentially shortening the path to effective treatment for many.
In addition to Ryeqo, the government is also subsidising Pergoveris, which is used during IVF cycles to treat low levels of specific hormones. It will now be available for $32 per treatment cycle from the first IVF cycle. This is a significant reduction from the unsubsidised cost of about $3,500 per cycle.
The personal stories of women like Adelaide mum Helana Shehadeh, who used Pergoveris during her successful second IVF cycle, highlight the emotional and financial strain that fertility treatments can impose. The new subsidies will alleviate some of this burden, making the dream of having a baby more attainable for many families. This is particularly poignant given the country’s birth rate has fallen to a record-low of 1.5 babies per woman.
Health Minister Mark Butler has emphasised that these listings will improve the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Australian women. The government’s action is a response to the call for taking women’s healthcare seriously, and it is expected to ‘save women and their families thousands of dollars over their lifetimes.’
Finally, the price of Slinda, a contraceptive pill used by about 80,000 women, will also be significantly reduced under the PBS. The annual cost for general patients will drop from about $320 to about $94, or $22 for concession card holders. Slinda is particularly suitable for older women, smokers, women at increased risk of blood clots, and those who suffer from migraine attacks due to the absence of estrogen in the pill.
These changes represent a major win for women’s health in Australia. By reducing the financial barriers to accessing essential medications, the government is not only prioritising women’s health but also supporting the overall well-being of families.
We at YourLifeChoices encourage our readers to stay informed about such changes to the PBS and to discuss with their healthcare providers how they might benefit from these more affordable treatment options.
What impact do you think these PBS listings will have on your life or the lives of those around you? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—your insights could be invaluable to others in our community.
Also read: Will Labor’s Medicare bulk-billing pledge make it cheaper to see your GP?
