Supportive care: PBS ‘left behind’ by changing treatments

The Canberra Times profiles Matthew Owen, who highlights the flaws in the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) for cancer patients. Specifically, the drugs needed to treat his gall bladder cancer don’t qualify for a subsidy as he has the wrong type of cancer to use them. Additionally, some drugs are subsidised for some patients and not for others. ANU Medical School professor Dr Yip calls for a “fundamental change in the way the PBS assesses the effectiveness of drugs and the funding model”. The Canberra Times, 6 July 2017, page 1; The Sydney Morning Herald

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