HIV positive benefit from PBS changes

The federal government says changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will help numerous patients including those with HIV and various cancers.

Health Minister Nicola Roxon (pictured) announced more than 40 changes to the PBS yesterday.

"Delivering a sustainable PBS that provides Australians with access to affordable medicines is a priority for the Gillard Government,'' Roxon said.

She said an HIV drug radded to the scheme is expected to benefit about 750 Australians.

"It’s fitting that today, on World AIDS Day, a new HIV drug is available on PBS that can help to make it easier for Australians with HIV to manage their drug regime,'' Ms Roxon said.

NSW Greens MP Cate Faehrmann has welcomed the government's announced changes that will improve access to medication for HIV patients.

"The new scheme was modelled on the request of key health and community organisations prior to the election and it is a credit to the government that they have acted swiftly," Faehrmann said.

"I look forward to more improvements in this area and congratulate Positive Life, ACON, the Albion Street Centre and all those involved in the scheme's development,” she continued.

"Improved access to medication may seem like a small issue to some, but it will have a big impact on the lives of many people living with HIV."