PBS medications--improving access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
BACKGROUND
Expenditure through major commonwealth funded health programs such as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is much lower for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples than other Australians. Section 100 of the National Health Act (1953) allows for special access arrangements where pharmaceutical benefits cannot be conveniently supplied.


OBJECTIVE
This article discusses the barriers to accessing PBS medications for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the S100 access scheme.


CONCLUSIONS
The implementation of S100 medications for remote area Aboriginal health services (AHSs) represents a breakthrough in medicines access, and is one of the most significant improvements in health service delivery for many years. If we are to achieve equity in access to the PBS for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, an extension of this initiative is necessary for rural and urban AHSs.
Couzos
Sophie
S
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Canberra, ACT. scouzos@tpgi.com.au
D001315:Australia; D004345:Drug Industry / Q000458:organization & administration; D018954:Drugs, Essential / Q000600:supply & distribution; D005569:Formularies as Topic; D005843:Geography; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics*; D006303:Health Services, Indigenous / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D007356:Insurance, Pharmaceutical Services; D009313:National Health Programs; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
D018954:Drugs, Essential