The Economic and Health Burden of Hypertension
Australia spends over AUD 1.2 billion annually addressing high blood pressure, with patients covering 40% in out-of-pocket expenses and taxpayers funding the remaining 60%, according to The George Institute for Global Health. Pharmacy dispensing fees account for 51% of costs, followed by GP visits (29%) and purchasing medications (18%).
High blood pressure, the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes, affects 34% of Australian adults, yet only half are aware of their condition due to limited screening. Improving detection and management could save 37,000 lives annually. Australia’s hypertension control rate is 32%, significantly lower than Canada’s 68%.
The National Hypertension Taskforce aims to improve control rates to 70% by 2030. Strategies include better screening, enhanced primary care support, and fairer cost structures. While the government’s 60-day prescribing program could ease patient expenses, its slow adoption limits its impact.
Lead researcher Professor Anthony Rodgers emphasizes the need for equitable policies to reduce preventable deaths and improve access to hypertension management. Enhanced health policies are essential to alleviate the financial burden on patients and ensure sustainable, life-saving interventions.
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