
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Lu, Christine Y 
A1  - Day, Ric 
A1  - Williams, Ken 
A1  - Macneill, Paul 
T1  - Access to high cost medicines in Australia: ethical perspectives
JF  - Australia and New Zealand Health Policy
JO  - Aust New Zealand Health Policy
Y1  - 2008
VL  - 5
IS  - 1
SP  - 
EP  - 
KW  - 
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/HP080504 
N2  - Access to "high cost medicines" through Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is tightly regulated. It is inherently difficult to apply any criteria-based system of control in a way that provides a fair balance between efficient use of limited resources for community needs and equitable individual access to care. We suggest, in relation to very high cost medicines, that the present arrangements be re-considered in order to overcome potential inequities. The biological agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are used as an example by which to discuss the ethical issues associated with the current scheme. Consideration of ethical aspects of the PBS and similar programs is important in order to achieve the fairest outcomes for individual patients, as well as for the community. 
ER  -

