Wegovy Set for PBS Subsidy, Cheaper Weight Loss Comes With a Big Price Tag
Good evening and we begin tonight with a major shift in Australia’s health system that could change the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.
The federal government has confirmed plans to subsidise the weight loss drug Wegovy through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. For many Australians with severe obesity, this could mean the difference between paying thousands of dollars a year or finally being able to afford treatment.
Wegovy is part of a newer class of medicines known as GLP-1 drugs. They work by reducing appetite and helping people feel full sooner. Until now, Australians using these drugs for weight loss have mostly paid full price. That can be four or even five thousand dollars a year. For many, that cost has been completely out of reach.
Under the new plan, Wegovy would be subsidised for people with severe obesity who also have established cardiovascular disease. That includes Australians who have already suffered a heart attack or a stroke and have a very high body mass index. Health experts say this group faces the greatest risk of future heart problems and early death.
The Health Minister says this is not just about weight loss. It is about preventing another medical crisis. By helping high-risk patients lose weight, the government hopes to reduce future hospitalisations, heart attacks and long-term health costs.
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But there is a catch and it is a big one.
The minister has been upfront about the cost to taxpayers. Subsidising Wegovy is expected to create what he calls a very big bill. Exactly how big is still unclear, because the government is now negotiating the final price with the drug’s manufacturer. Those talks will determine how much Australians pay at the pharmacy and how much the public pays overall.
There are also strict limits planned to stop costs from blowing out. Only people who meet very specific medical criteria will qualify. Officials are concerned that if access is too broad, demand could skyrocket far beyond expectations.
Doctors largely welcome the move, especially for patients with serious heart disease. They say the drug does more than help with weight. It can reduce the risk of another life-threatening event. But some health groups are urging caution. They warn that medication alone is not a silver bullet and that nutrition support and long-term care still matter.
Globally, drugs like Wegovy are changing how obesity is treated. The World Health Organization now recognises them as long-term treatments, but regulators also warn about potential side effects that need close monitoring.
So what happens next?
If negotiations move quickly, eligible Australians could see dramatically lower prices later this year. For many patients, that could be life-changing. For the government, it is a high-stakes balance between equity, health outcomes and the cost to the nation.
That’s the story for now and we’ll keep following how this unfolds.
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