A viral video by Dr. Michael, a TikTok doctor with over 500,000 followers, has sparked global outrage after exposing the massive cost disparity for common medications between the United States and countries like Australia and Scotland.
In the video—now viewed more than 2.7 million times—Dr. Michael compared the prices of five everyday medicines across the three nations, revealing U.S. consumers often pay hundreds or even tens of thousands of dollars more for the same drugs.
Eye-Opening Price Differences
Here are some of the biggest discrepancies highlighted:
- Salbutamol Inhaler (asthma treatment):
- Australia: A$10
- US: US$50
- Atorvastatin (cholesterol medication):
- Australia: A$6.70 for 30 tablets
- US: US$2,628
- Omeprazole (acid reflux medication):
- Australia: A$6
- US: US$326
- Azithromycin (antibiotic):
- Australia: A$7.70
- US: US$155
- Sofosbuvir (Hepatitis C treatment):
- Australia: A$31 for 28 tablets via the PBS
- US: US$84,000 for a 12-week course (approx. US$1,000 per tablet)
In Scotland, all five medications are reportedly free of charge.
“It’s a Human Right”
Dr. Michael explained the reason behind the stark contrast: Australia and Scotland have universal healthcare systems where governments subsidize medication costs. The video sparked a flood of comments, with many Australians expressing gratitude for their healthcare system and support for paying higher taxes to ensure affordable medical care.
One user commented, “Aussie here, happy to pay extra tax to know that everyone can get medical care. It’s a human right ffs.”
Trump’s Tariff Threat
The video emerged as former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose up to 250% tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals—including from Australia, which exports $2.2 billion worth of medicines to the U.S.
Trump told CNBC that tariffs would start small but could rise to 250% to encourage domestic production. However, analysts warn such moves could backfire and raise prices for American consumers rather than solve the affordability crisis.
Economist Matt Grudnoff from The Australia Institute called for calm, suggesting Trump’s statements were more political than policy-driven: “Even after months of talk about tariffs, he hasn’t nailed down exactly what they’re going to be.”
Grudnoff also emphasized that the Australian government is unlikely to alter its Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) to appease U.S. pressure, citing strong bipartisan support for keeping medicines affordable.
PBS Reform and Concerns
While Trump’s threats raised alarms, a bigger issue may be delays in getting new medicines listed on Australia’s PBS.
Medicines Australia CEO Liz de Somer warned the current approval process takes an average of 22 months—time that could cost lives.
“Patients will die waiting for medicines to be listed,” she said.
The Albanese government has vowed to maintain the PBS’s integrity. In fact, it recently announced a reduction in the PBS co-payment cap from $31.60 to $25 starting January 1, estimating a $200 million annual saving for Australians.
Still, critics argue that delays in listing new medications remain the most urgent issue.
