Australia’s reaction to the potential imposition of 250% tariffs on U.S. pharmaceutical imports, a threat seemingly emanating from Donald Trump, is one of profound disinterest, bordering on outright defiance. The sentiment, if we’re honest, is a resounding “eat shit” – a direct challenge to the premise of the tariffs and a firm stance against altering Australia’s own healthcare policies.
The core of the issue, it seems, revolves around Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This scheme, which subsidizes the cost of prescription medications for all Australians, is sacrosanct. The general feeling is that any political party even *suggesting* modifications to appease U.S.… Continue reading
The Australian government is urgently investigating new US tariffs, particularly a potential 200% tax on pharmaceutical imports, which could impact its $2.2 billion pharmaceutical exports to the US. Treasurer Jim Chalmers expressed serious concern over the tariffs, emphasizing that the nation will not compromise its Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to avoid them, despite pressure from US pharmaceutical lobbies. While the Productivity Commission suggests Australia could benefit from the tariffs by not retaliating, the government remains firm in its stance to protect the PBS, which provides cheaper medicines to its citizens.
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The Albanese government has announced significant funding for women’s health, adding several medications to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This includes the contraceptive pill Slinda, the endometriosis treatment Ryeqo, and expanded access to the IVF drug Pergoveris. These additions are expected to save women thousands of dollars annually on treatments for conditions affecting one in seven Australian women. The funding builds upon a previously announced half-billion-dollar women’s health package and reflects a commitment to addressing long-standing inequities in healthcare access.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker