What role does the Therapeutic Goods Administration play in relation to PBS medicines?

• A. Sets the price of medicines
• B. Funds the PBS exclusively
• C. Verifies PBS medicines have effective treatment to decrease reliance on the health system
• D. Provides free medicines to patients

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that the Therapeutic Goods Administration ensures medicines are safe, of good quality, and effective before they can be used in Australia. This rigorous assessment means that medicines available on the PBS have demonstrated real therapeutic benefit, supporting better health outcomes for patients and helping to reduce unnecessary use of health resources. The TGA doesn’t set prices, fund the PBS, or provide free medicines—that’s handled by pricing and subsidy arrangements. By approving medicines only when they work and are safe, the TGA helps ensure PBS-listed medicines contribute meaningful treatment and can lessen the burden on the health system.