Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said he welcomes the announcement that crucial new medical treatments for Cancer, Parkinson’s Disease and Motor Neurone are being listed on the Federal Government’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), saving patients in Grey up to $300,000 a year.
“We have all experienced the devastation cancer wreaks on lives and families and I welcome any new drugs which can help fight the disease,” Mr Ramsey said.
“The Government will invest $19 million to broaden the PBS listing of Adcetris® (brentuximab vedotin) to include treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL).
“People suffering from conditions like Parkinson’s Disease, a progressive, degenerative brain disease, and Motor Neurone Disease which leads to progressive paralysis and eventual death will now be able to access drugs on the PBS which were previously unaffordable .
“Xadago® (safinamide) will be listed for the first time for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, it is estimated that around 80,000 people live with Parkinson’s disease and around 30 Australians are diagnosed with Parkinson’s every day.
“This medicine increases the level of dopamine in the brain which decreases symptoms. I have close relatives with Parkinson’s know how dehbilitating this disease can be and anything that will relieve the symptoms will be most welcome.
“Teglutik® (riluzole) for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a form of motor neurone disease which can cause muscle degeneration leading to muscle weakness will also be listed.
“Our commitment to ensuring that all Australians can access affordable medicines remains rock solid. Our strong economy continues to deliver record funding for essential health services that saves lives.
“Labor‘s last budget in 2013 was such a mess they were forced to defer listings meaning people either went without or spent their life savings trying to improve their condition. By comparison, we are subsidising all drugs recommended by the independent medical experts. Since 2013, more than 2,000 new or amended items have been added to the PBS – on average of 30 listings a day at an overall cost of around $10.6 billion.”
Health Minister Greg Hunt said every medicine was recommended to be added to the PBS by the independent expert Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.
Media contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 08 8633 1744 March 20 1019
