[donavanm]

As sibling mentioned thats not the model. From what Ive seen australia lags US access on the order of 6months to a few years for most things. Effectively theres an additional review period where TGA reviews foreign research and approval before (generally) allowing and entering it to the ARTG and PBS with the relevant prescribing advice. Once its on the MBS/PBS the patient gets access through their prescriber and/or chemist.

The PBS listed medications are essentially price capped copays at the point of sale, with the bulk of the cost covered directly by the government (who negotiates prices with the manufacturer, and fronts the pharmacist distribution costs). Its the same pfizer etc patent protected medication, unless theres a generic version which chemist & prescriber can vend with patient consent.