Heart health pressures pockets
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Australia is spending over $1.2 billion a year to manage high blood pressure.
Patients shoulder 40 per cent of the cost, while taxpayers pick up the rest, according to a new study.
Most of the spending ($611 million) flows to pharmacies for dispensing and handling medicines, while GP visits account for another $342 million, and purchasing medicines from manufacturers adds $221 million.
High blood pressure, a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes, affects about one-third of Australian adults. Yet, only half of those with the condition are aware of it.
“Our analysis provides a real-world snapshot of the scale of spending on the problem and who exactly is footing the bill,” said Professor Anthony Rodgers of The George Institute.
Rodgers noted the inequity of the current system. “Patients are carrying an unfair share of the overall burden,” he said, adding that lower-income Australians often face tough choices about affording appointments or medication, which worsens health outcomes.
Efforts to ease costs, such as the government’s 60-day prescribing program, are yet to deliver meaningful savings. Introduced in 2023, it has seen slow adoption, with fewer than 20 per cent of patients taking advantage of it.
These findings emerge as the National Hypertension Taskforce prepares to hold its inaugural summit in Sydney this week.
The group aims to increase blood pressure control rates from 32 per cent to 70 per cent by 2030, a figure comparable to Canada, where two-thirds manage their condition effectively.
Rodgers called for affordable solutions, warning that financial barriers hinder progress.
“We must improve health policy to reduce preventable deaths from heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease in Australia,” he said.
The study’s cost estimates draw on data from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, Medicare, and general practice reports.
With high blood pressure responsible for Australia’s top preventable death risks, tackling the issue could save 37,000 lives annually while easing the $1.2 billion economic burden.
