Recent research published in HealthAffairs, a leading international journal on health policy, thought and research,has shown how the Closing the Gap (CTG) prescription measure is significantlyimproving medicines access by addressing cost barriers. This CTG prescriptionmeasure could have a significant impact on improving health outcomes ofAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples related to chronic disease.
To access the health journal hereis the link https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/abs/10.1377/hlthaff.2019.01089
Researchers found that the CTGmeasure's reductions in medicines co-payments were associated with a relativeincrease of 39% in the use of medicines and a reduction of 61% in out-of-pocketspending for the patient. Researchers noted that such a measure wasparticularly important for populations with marked social disadvantage and aknown high burden of chronic disease.
NACCHO welcomes the research whichfurther corroborates previous research and feedback from members about theeffectiveness and utility of the CTG prescription measure. This researchfurther supports the need to expand the CTG measure as recommended with theIndigenous Pharmacy Programs Review. There is universal support forthis enhanced approach by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs)and stakeholders across Australia.
NACCHO Chair, Donnella Mills said,"Maintaining and improving access to essential Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme(PBS) medicines remains a priority for NACCHO and our members, and thisresearch shows that when access is improved the health benefits are clear. Improving access to evidenced-based PBS medicines is one importantway to improve health equity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderpeople and other Australians."
National President of the PharmacyGuild of Australia, George Tambassis said, "It is indeed heartening to havethis confirmation of the benefit and merits of the CTG prescription measure. Itconfirms the importance of ensuring there are no avoidable barriers toAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples gaining access to pharmaceuticalbenefits scheme medicines.
"As we have said before, we alsoneed to look at ways to improve on this beneficial measure so that its positiveimpact on the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples ismaximised," Mr Tambassis said.
CEO Medicines Australia, Elizabeth de Somer commented on theresearch, "Medicines Australia welcomes the research confirming theeffectiveness of the Closing the Gap – PBS Co-payment Measure. Improvingmedicines compliance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples willhave far-reaching benefits for individuals and entire communities and will helpto ensure better health and avoid complications of chronic diseases."
