Access to the technology
As advances in biotechnology deliver new products to the market, questions may arise about equity of access to biotechnologies. Governments routinely deal with issues around access to medical technologies. The Australian Government aims to provide equitable access through improving the financing and delivery of high quality health services for all Australians.
For example, when a new medical procedure or test is developed using biotechnology, an application can be made to have the test or procedure listed on the Medical Benefits Scheme. Similarly, an application can be made to list a new drug on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Through reimbursement mechanisms the bulk of the costs of items listed on the MBS and PBS are subsidised by the Government to provide equitable and affordable access.
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