A mixed bag: PBAC recommendations

AMA Queensland has welcomed the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee’s pledge to review the PBS-funded Prescriber Bag – but has called for a focus change to reduce hospital visits.

Commonly known as the ‘Doctor’s Bag’, the Prescriber Bag contains medicines that improve access to healthcare for countless Australians, particularly in regional, rural and remote areas without easy access to pharmacies.

AMA Queensland has been advocating for an improved Prescriber Bag for more than 12 months.

We were heartened to see the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee recommend the inclusion of the antibiotic ceftriaxone.

This injection is routinely used in emergency care settings to treat suspected sepsis, as timely administration can reduce the risk of organ failure and death.

One of our other recommendations – the anti-nausea medicine ondansetron – was not taken up, but PBAC did request the Department of Health and Aged Care undertake further research into the potential establishment of an unrestricted benefit General Schedule listing for ondansetron tablets.

It is disappointing that none of the further 20 medicines AMA Queensland recommended were considered by PBAC in this round of consultation, but we will continue to engage with the committee to ensure doctors’ bags remain fit for purpose.

We also note PBAC has recommended the removal of COVID-19 antivirals, including molnupiravir, nirmatrelvir and ritonavir, from the Prescriber Bag, due to their high cost and potential for wastage.

PBAC also missed an opportunity to provide more reproductive care options to help women in need, including MS2-Step.

AMA Queensland President Dr Nick Yim believes a change in assessment criteria for included medicines is required.

“The contents of the Prescriber Bag should be aligned to prevent hospitalisation, which is where the cost savings are,” he said.

“For example, while ondansetron isn't on the PBS, if it was in the Prescriber Bag it could prevent a number of children presenting to emergency departments.”

AMA Queensland will continue advocating for the most up-to-date, targeted and effective medicines in the Prescriber Bag.

Read our correspondence on this issue