New government figures show PBS growing at just 1.6%

The latest Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing annual review of the Pharmeceutical Benefits Scheme shows that the program grew by just 5.2% in 201-11 - or 1.6% in real terms.

This follows yesterday's MYEFO, showing lower PBS growth this financial year.

Medicines Australia chief executive Dr Brendan Shaw said today the new data irrefutably demonstrates that public spending on the PBS is well under control.