Introduction
A box of life-saving medication costs just $30 in Australia, but in the U.S., it’s a shocking $80,000!
American doctors were stunned after seeing Australia's drug prices…

01:

American Doctors Compare Drug Prices – The True Value of Australian Passports is Exposed

Recently, an American doctor with over 500,000 followers on TikTok posted a video exposing the massive price difference between medications in the U.S. and Australia, instantly shocking people around the world!

In the video, Dr. Michael uses five common medications as examples, showing that drugs that cost thousands of dollars in the U.S. are priced at just a few Australian dollars in Australia, or even less.

For many Americans, this was their first eye-opening moment about the true "value" of Australia’s medical system.

Many international viewers were amazed, commenting: "So this is what Australian passports are really worth!"

Dr. Michael listed five widely used global drugs:

Asthma inhaler (Salbutamol)

Cholesterol-lowering medication (Atorvastatin)

Antacid (Omeprazole)

Antibiotic (Azithromycin)

Hepatitis C medication (Sofosbuvir)

As seen in the comparison chart, medications that cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the U.S. are available in Australia for just a few dollars.

The most shocking example is Sofosbuvir, a hepatitis C treatment. In the U.S., without insurance or discounts, it costs a staggering $84,000 (approximately $125,000 AUD).

In Australia, thanks to PBS support, a box costs just $31 AUD — a difference of up to 4000 times!

That means in the U.S., a single dose of this medicine could cost over $1000, while in Australia, a full box costs less than a dinner!

Dr. Michael commented in the video:
"Oh my God! This is insane. In Australia, the government covers most of the medication costs, whereas in the U.S., everything is on you."

His discovery has stunned viewers worldwide.

One commenter said:
"The U.S. is a huge scam."

An Australian also shared:
"As Australians, we cry about the taxes we have to pay, but on the other hand, we have free hospitals, cheap medications, affordable doctors, family tax benefits, elderly care, unemployment benefits, pensions, caregiver allowances, maternity leave, farm subsidies, disability support, youth allowances... and so much more. Australia takes care of its people."

02:

Australia’s PBS Makes Others Envy – Self-paid Limit to Be Reduced Further

Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is a government-led initiative designed to help residents access essential medications at affordable prices. It’s one of the core components of Australia’s Medicare system, placing the country at the forefront of global healthcare systems.

Why is PBS so Envy-Inducing?

Massive Price Reductions: Under PBS, medications that typically cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars are available to patients for just a few dollars.

Universal Coverage: Australian citizens and permanent residents can access PBS benefits.

Regular Expansion: The government continuously adds new drugs to the PBS list, ensuring Australians have access to the latest treatments.

Defying Trade Pressure: Recently, when former U.S. President Trump proposed a 250% tariff on medications, the Australian government stood firm, saying the PBS system would "never be up for negotiation."

In the latest reform, the government announced that from 2026, the out-of-pocket cost for PBS medicines will decrease from $31.60 to $25, saving Australian families over $200 million annually.

Meanwhile, in the U.S.
By comparison, the U.S. healthcare system relies heavily on private insurance, and drug prices are regulated by the market, with a complex, opaque negotiation system that leaves the average citizen struggling to pay for medications.

Some uninsured Americans even resort to "drug rationing," delaying treatments, or buying cheaper drugs from Canada or Mexico, which poses significant risks.

One commenter put it:
“So, Australians are willing to pay higher taxes to ensure everyone can afford healthcare — that's basic human rights.”

03:

PBS Criticized for Slow Processes – Government Responds: Reform is Underway

However, despite Australia’s affordable medication, a new issue has emerged: the slow process of getting new drugs listed on the PBS.

The latest report shows that, on average, it takes 22 months for a drug to be approved and included in the PBS system.

Some doctors have criticized the slow approval process, saying:
"Drugs are approved too slowly, and patients just have to wait. The complex process and excessive bureaucracy cause unnecessary delays."

Liz de Somer, the head of the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), has warned that Australians may die while waiting for life-saving drugs to be added to PBS.

The government is now working to reform PBS, hoping to speed up the process and avoid the tragic situation of "waiting for medication and dying."

Australia’s Health Minister Mark Butler recently said the government is pushing for a “Health Technology Assessment (HTA)” review to guide future decisions.

He emphasized:
"The Albanese government is ensuring that Australians can access medications faster and cheaper. We know patients want to get access to advanced treatments and medications sooner, which is why we’re pushing the HTA review."

Butler also added that the government is seriously considering the HTA recommendations, aiming to ensure that the most effective drugs and treatments are available to Australians as soon as possible, while keeping costs affordable for patients and society.

Conclusion
In this "drug price comparison" battle, Australia has won without a doubt.
Australia’s welfare system offers not just sunshine, beaches, and blue skies but also something that more and more people are recognizing:
The ability to afford healthcare and medications is a form of happiness and security.