Constitutional recognition helps health
Constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is clearly linked to positive health outcomes, according to more than 100 of the nation’s health bodies, which have announced their …
IGR shows PBS sustainable: James
The fourth Intergenerational Report reaffirms the sustainability of the PBS, says Medicines Australia. Its CEO, Tim James, welcomed the release of the 2015 report, and says it acknowledges that growth …
Lifestyle disease cost to spiral: IGR
Lifestyle diseases are set to fuel spiralling cost rises in the health care system over the next 40 years – so Australia needs to reorient our approach towards preventing them, …
IGR report shows where pharmacists needed: PSA
The findings of the Fourth Intergenerational Report, released today, highlight a range of areas where pharmacists’ skills and knowledge can be more fully utilised in an integrated and collaborative health …
Ireland passes plain packaging legislation
Ireland has become the first country in Europe, and the second in the world, to pass legislation requiring plain packaging for cigarettes. This shows strong leadership, says the Cancer Council: …
Pharmacy at ‘tipping point’ says Xenophon
Pharmacy is at a tipping point, having taken an undue burden of heavy lifting from budget cuts – resulting in many pharmacies facing bankruptcy and staff layoffs, Senator Nick Xenophon …
GP copay scrapped, but no word on script copay rise
The $5 copayment to see a GP has been scrapped – but there’s no word yet on whether increased copayments on PBS scripts will stay. The Public Health Association of …
Kids at risk of fentanyl exposure: NPS
Infants and children are at a higher risk of accidental exposure to fentanyl patches, NPS MedicineWise has warned. Fentanyl prescribing in Australia has increased over the last decade, and so …
Can coffee reduce heart attack?
More research is needed to confirm whether drinking coffee can reduce the risk of a heart attack, Heart Foundation CEO Mary Barry says. A study by Korean researchers, published in …
TPP to hurt medicines compliance: report
The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement poses risks to Australians in terms of medicines compliance and affordability, tobacco and alcohol policies and nutrition labelling, a new report has found. And Shadow Health …
‘Shop around’ as insurance premiums rise
Customers should be encouraged to shop around for the best deal as private health insurance premiums will increase substantially from April, says Health Minister Sussan Ley. With a weighted industry …
Funding go-slow frustrates in electronic drugs reporting
Lack of funds and training is frustrating PSA’s NSW branch president Stephen Carter as they slow the rollout of Electronic Recording and Reporting of Controlled Drugs system (eRRCD). Carter told …