Budget 2019–20: Improving Access to Medicines – supporting pharmacies and consumer access

The Government will fund a range of programs to boost safer medication management in the community. The Government will also provide $230 million for an ongoing additional administration, handling and infrastructure fee and community service obligation payments to pharmacies. Pharmacies will be reimbursed more quickly for Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) claims.

Taking medicines incorrectly can have significant health implications. Encouraging people to properly manage their medication through pharmacy programs will reduce the level of medication misadventures, improve patient adherence to prescribed medicines, reduce medication-related problems and improve health outcomes.