The cost of PBS medicines for Australians without a concession card is reducing to $25, the lowest amount since 2004 and only the second time in history that the price of medicine in Australia has been reduced.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, Professor Trent Twomey, said the change delivered big cost savings and would result in improved access to essential medicines for millions of people, strengthening primary care access nationwide.
‘Every week, more than 400,000 prescriptions will now cost no more than $25 – putting up to $6.60 back in patients’ pockets for every prescription. It makes medicine the most affordable it’s ever been.’
The Guild was joined by more than 20 health and community stakeholder groups in calling for PBS medicines to be more affordable. Research showed more than 1 in 5 without a concession card had skipped a prescription in the past three years because of cost, this rose to 1 in 3 in regional areas.
Patients often decide to reduce doses or skip their medicine.
Professor Twomey said this historic reform will encourage medicine adherence, prevent complications and reduce pressure on GPs and emergency departments.
Good news for those who are struggling
‘Everyday, community pharmacists see the tough choices Australians face – choosing between medicine, food, rent and other essentials,’ he said. ‘Without these price reductions, the cost of a prescription would have been $50.’
Community pharmacists are Australia’s most accessible primary healthcare professionals, with over 6,000 community pharmacies which open earlier, later and longer than other primary healthcare destinations.
The decision to reduce the price of PBS prescriptions for non-concession card holders was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at APP 2025 on 20 March 2025.
The Pharmacy Guild was joined in its call for cheaper medicines by organisations including Australian Patients Association, Asthma Australia, Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia, QENDO, Australian Association for Adolescent Health, Wounds Australia, Parents & Citizens Queensland, Foodbank, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and Advanced Pharmacy Australia.
