Why Are Some Medicines Subsidised and Others Not?
Introducing: Jo
Why are some medicines subsidised and others not? Jo Watson explains what PBAC, PBS and TGA stand for, and how decisions about subsidised medicines are made in Australia. It’s a clear, practical conversation about medicine access, health literacy, and understanding the processes that shape treatment options and affordability.
When you’re advocating for yourself or others, understanding the processes behind our healthcare system can help you ask better questions.
Jo Watson, Deputy Chair of PBAC (Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee), unpacks the acronyms and systems that shape how medicines are subsidised in Australia.
This is an episode for patients, advocates, patient organisations, clinicians and industry professionals who want to better understand how these decisions are made.
Jo explains the role of PBAC, who’s on the committee and what it considers when making decisions, including advice about eligibility criteria. And why drug approval, subsidy and access are not always the same thing. She also outlines where consumers sit in the process, and how patients and patient organisations are consulted.
Note: This conversation was recorded earlier in 2026, and references to global pricing and tariffs should be heard in that context.
“the pbs is the jewel in the crown of our health system.”
In this episode:
What PBAC, PBS and TGA actually do
Why TGA approval and PBS listing are not the same thing
What PBAC considers when deciding whether a drug should be subsidised
Why some medicines are listed only for certain patients or situations
How understanding these systems can help women ask better questions about treatment access
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