Mental Health a COAG priority

Health ministers have unanimously agreed to work in partnership to address the nationally critical issue of mental health.   This historic breakthrough sets a new direction that will help deliver a seamless integrated mental health system – a once in a generation reform that puts the patient at the centre of care. It is an…

Sky News interview with Chris Kenny

E&OE…                       Topics: Royal Commission into Aged Care; Mental health Productivity Commission; Private Health Insurance; Drought.   CHRIS KENNY: The Health Minister Greg Hunt is with us live now, joining us from Perth.   Thanks for joining us Minister. Just on that (inaudible), first up on aged care, obviously it’s not your direct responsibility as…

CliniKids gives best chance to kids with autism

A new service run by the Telethon Kids Institute in Perth will see clinicians and researchers working side by side to provide cutting-edge interventions for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.   For children with autism and their families, it offers new hope and support through holistic care and access to the best and latest evidence-based…

Victoria signs record hospital funding agreement

The Morrison Government will provide an additional $7.3 billion in funding for Victorian public hospitals and patients following Victoria signing on to the public hospital agreement.   The National Health Agreement from 2020-21 to 2024-25, will deliver record hospital funding in each and every year, providing millions of additional hospital services for patients.   Under…

New opioid overdose tool added to PBS will save Australian lives

A new nasal spray form of naloxone – a life-saving antidote medicine used to treat a narcotic overdose in an emergency situation – will be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) on 1 November.   Up until now Naloxone was required to be injected to reverse the side effects of an overdose.   The…

Pharmacogenomics research funding to improve mental health care

The Morrison Government will invest $7 million for ground-breaking research into the use of pharmacogenomics to improve mental health treatment outcomes and help reduce suicide.   Mental illness is the leading cause of both disability and premature death in Australia, with an estimated one in five people experiencing a common mental disorder each year.  …

Breast cancer MRI added to Medicare

Women with or suspected of having breast cancer will be able to claim Medicare benefits for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, from 1 November 2019.   Approximately 14,000 patients each year, predominantly women, will benefit from these services.   Medicare rebates will be available for MRI scans for:   Diagnosis of breast cancer in patients…

New Medicare Support for Older Australians

Fewer aged care residents will have the expense and inconvenience of having to go to hospital for x-rays under changes to Medicare.   Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said, “For the first time, from 1 November 2019 a Medicare rebate will be available as a call-out fee for the provision of mobile skeletal x-ray services…

Telehealth changes improve remote Australians’ access to a doctor

Australians in some of the most remote parts of the country will soon have greater access to a doctor, with the Morrison Government investing $45.5 million in GP telehealth consultations.   Minister for Health Greg Hunt said, “From 1 November 2019, GPs will be able to conduct regular telehealth consultations with their patients in remote…