The Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and the consumption of medicines in Australia

Task

Students are asked to write a critical analysis essay of 1500 words (± 10%) on the following issue: “The Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and the consumption of medicines in Australia”

• Australia has one of the highest consumption rates for medicines of all countries. The costs of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in Australia are increasing each year.
• What are the costs of medicine consumption in Australia and why is this the case?
• What types of medicines are consumed (both prescribed and non -prescribed) and what are the problems with the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme? Criteria You will be assessed on the following:
• Academic writing skills, use of report format and APA. • Reporting and analysis of PBS data, costs, sources of funds and medications used.
• Use of charts and or tables to explain recent information with accurate sourcing.
• Understanding and critical analysis of the issues using evidence from the recent literature.
• Quality of recommendations to reduce costs and lower consumption.