Can we afford weight-loss drugs for all?

Obesity and associated health problems cause a significant burden on health systems, but should weight-loss drugs be offered under our PBS just for weight loss?  

In Britain, there is to be a trial of the weight loss drug Mounjaro, that will also seek to measure the economic impact of those benefits.  Britain's Health Minister argues that weight loss drugs will be '"life-changing, help them get back to work and ease the demands on our NHS". 

Guests:

Dr Norman Swan, co-presenter of ABC Radio National's Health Report, and the podcast 'What's That Rash?'

Jonathan Karnon, Professor of Health Economics at Flinders University

Nial Wheate, Pharmaceutical Chemist and Professor of Academic Excellence at Macquarie University 

And the Albanese Government this week announced a crack down on unfair and excessive card surcharges, promising to get a better deal for Australians and small business.  The declining use of cash and the rise of electronic payments means more Australians are getting hit by often hidden surcharges.  

Guest:

Brad Kelly, Co-founder of the Independent Payment Forum