Patient/ drug assistance programs are run by many pharmaceutical companies and some hospitals to provide free or greatly reduced medications and treatments to people who cannot afford to buy their medicine. They are sometimes called Drug Assistance programs. Speak with your GP, specialist, illness organisation or hospital to find out which ones are may be suitable for you.

Clinical trials

When research studies are being conducted many organisations need human volunteers and when organised properly, clinical trials can be a reliable way to find treatments to that work in people rather than animals.

Interventional trials determine whether experimental treatments or new methods of using existing therapies are safe and effective in controlled environments.

Observational trials examine health issues in large groups of people or specific populations in their own environment.

You can find out which clinical trials are taking place in Australia by visiting the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry at the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney.

www.healthinsite.gov.au for information about clinical trials and randomised controlled trials (RCTs)

Medical Treatment Overseas (MTO) Program

The Medical Treatment Overseas (MTO) Program provides financial assistance for Australians with life-threatening medical conditions to receive approved life saving medical treatment outside Australia where effective treatment isn’t available in Australia. For more details:
www.health.gov.au