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au_078
Australia and its People › Society
What is the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia?
- A private scheme where pharmaceutical companies provide free medicines
- A scheme run by pharmacies to reward loyal customers
- A government program that subsidises the cost of medicines for eligible residents
Why this is the correct answer
Without the PBS, many prescription medicines would be unaffordable for ordinary Australians. Under the scheme, the government negotiates prices with manufacturers and pays the bulk of the cost, so patients pay only a regulated co-payment.