The effectiveness of special arrangements for the supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines to remote area Aboriginal Health Services
Terms of Reference
The effectiveness of the special arrangements established in 1999 under section 100 of
the National Health Act 1953, for the supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
(PBS) medicines to remote area Aboriginal Health Services, with particular reference
to:
(a) whether these arrangements adequately address barriers experienced by
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote areas of Australia
in accessing essential medicines through the PBS;
(b) the clinical outcomes achieved from the measure, in particular to improvements
in patient understanding of, and adherence to, prescribed treatment as a result
of the improved access to PBS medicines;
(c) the degree to which the ‘quality use of medicines' has been achieved including
the amount of contact with a pharmacist available to these patients compared to
urban Australians;
(d) the degree to which state/territory legislation has been complied with in respect
to the recording, labelling and monitoring of PBS medicines;
(e) the distribution of funding made available to the program across the Approved
Pharmacy network compared to the Aboriginal Health Services obtaining the
PBS medicines and dispensing them on to its patients;
(f) the extent to which Aboriginal Health Workers in remote communities have
sufficient educational opportunities to take on the prescribing and dispensing
responsibilities given to them by the PBS bulk supply arrangements;
(g) the degree to which recommendations from previous reviews have been
implemented and any consultation which has occurred with the community
controlled Aboriginal health sector about any changes to the program;
(h) access to PBS generally in remote communities; and
(i) any other related matters.
For further information, contact: Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Community Affairs
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia