Why can’t alternative/complementary medicines be subsidised?
A. Only pharmaceutical products registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (maintained by the TGA) may be considered for listing on the PBS. Non-prescription medicines such as herbal, vitamin, mineral and other alternative or complementary medicines and preparations are available without prescription at community pharmacies, supermarkets and health product outlets. These products can be considered for PBS listing but would be subject to the same evidence-based requirements as other medicines.
