Utilisation of Generic Medicines in the Australian Healthcare System

Abstract

Generic medicines have a key role to play in the efficient allocation of financial resources for pharmaceutical medicines. In Australia, the current utilisation of generic medicines is comparatively low compared with other Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. This paper discusses the current issues and problems relating to the use of generic medicines in Australia and the role they play in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, which is a comprehensive system for subsidy of prescription drugs covering the whole population.