The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has backed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler's announcement of a price cut for Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines from $31.06 to $25 from 1 January 2026.
This builds on previous Government action to reduce cost of living pressures on patients including the introduction of 60-day prescriptions to reduce costs for patients in 2023, which the RACGP and other health, medical, and patient groups strongly backed.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said affordable medicines and the PBS are an essential component of health access.
"Healthcare is a fundamental right, and a key part of that is knowing that when we prescribe an essential medicine, our patients will be able to access it without cost being a burden," he said.
"Our patients will welcome this change. Following the inflation we've all experienced, it's rare for the cost of something essential to decrease.
"These are more real savings from Government for most of our patients' cost of living. The estimated $200 million saved each year will compound with the $1.6 billion in savings for patients the Albanese Government locked in through its 60 day dispensing reforms.
"The change to allow GPs and other prescribers to prescribe 60 days of medication for patients with stable conditions put patients first, and we back further savings for the three in five Australians who live with chronic disease."
The RACGP President also reiterated the vital role of the PBS in affordable care.
"High-quality general practice care and the PBS are both crucial for ensuring everyone has affordable access to the care and medicine they need," Dr Wright said.
"A strong PBS means Australia brings both an essential market and a powerful voice to negotiations, despite us being a smaller country.
"The PM, the Treasurer, and Minister Butler have shown the power of the PBS to deliver affordable medicines isn't up for negotiation.
"It's a strong and clear position from our government, and the correct one."
