What is the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)?

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is an Australian government program that subsidises medicines to offer all Australians prompt, reliable and affordable access to medicines.

It is a vital part of Australia’s health system.

The PBS is part of the Australian government’s broader National Medicines Policy. It means you can access a wide range of prescribed medicines without paying full price for them.

The PBS lists all the medicines available to patients at a government-subsidised price and also includes:

• the conditions of use for prescribing PBS medicines.
• consumer information for medicines prescribed by your doctor or dentist
• what you can expect to pay for medicines.

Under the PBS, the government subsidises the cost of medicine for most medical conditions. Usually, pharmacists dispense your medicines and you use them at home.