John and Terry Barnes - 7th August

What's the real cost of cheap medicine? A fiery debate erupts between the US and Australia over pharmaceutical prices.

The US is threatening tariffs of 250% on $2.1 billion worth of Australian pharmaceutical exports. Why? They claim our Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) takes too long to approve US drugs and forces companies to sell them too cheaply here. But should we dismantle a system that's provided affordable medicine for Australians for decades?

Terry Barnes, former senior advisor to the Coalition government, breaks down the tensions between profit and public health. How will the government balance Big Pharma's demands with voters who've grown wary of putting shareholder interests first?

Listen to the full podcast to hear Terry's witty takes on all the top news stories and political issues of the day.

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