Breakthrough medicines now available for blood cancer, breast cancer, HIV and epilepsy, saving patients up to $194, 000

Health, Media Releases1 April 2020

There’s new hope today for thousands of Australian patients with myeloma, breast cancer, HIV and epilepsy, with the Morrison Government expanding the listing of four key medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).   From 1 April, Revlimid® (lenalidomide) will be available to patients receiving maintenance treatment for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, who have already…

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Flu vaccination more important than ever during the month of April

Health, Media Releases1 April 2020

With the 2020 flu season not far away, all Australians —and especially those in vulnerable groups or age brackets— should arrange vaccination against seasonal influenza during the month of April.   Australians should speak to their GP, pharmacist or aged care provider to arrange a flu vaccination over the coming weeks.   Whilst flu vaccination…

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Meals On Wheels programs reinforced to help senior Australians at home

Health, Media Releases31 March 2020

Vital meal delivery services will be the focus of the latest Morrison Government funding package to support senior Australians. Meals on Wheels and similar services will be reinforced and prioritised, as senior residents across the country are urged to follow COVID-19 restrictions and stay home. A $59.3 million injection will ensure more prepared meals, food…

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Australian Government partnership with private health sector secures 30,000 hospital beds and 105,000 nurses and staff, to help fight COVID-19 pandemic

Health, Media Releases31 March 2020

The Australian Government has partnered with the private hospital sector to ensure the full resources of our world class health system, are ready and focussed on treating patients as required, through the coronavirus pandemic. Our Government has guaranteed the viability and capacity of the private hospital sector, in an agreement that will ensure over 30,000…

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Ensuring continued access to medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic

Health, Media Releases31 March 2020

The Australian Government has approved a number of temporary changes to medicines regulation to ensure Australians can continue to access the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines they need, as the COVID-19 outbreak unfolds. We are also closely monitoring the impact of the pandemic on the supply of medicines, especially those manufactured overseas, so we can…

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Increased flexibility for production of hand sanitiser to bolster supplies

Health, Media Releases30 March 2020

The Australian Government Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has cut the red tape on the manufacturing of hand sanitiser, whilst maintaining strict safety requirements, to bolster supply in Australia. Currently, there is high demand for hand sanitiser in Australia’s health care system and hospital networks – particularly in rural and regional parts of the country. The…

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Humanitarian agreement – Joondalup Health Campus

Health, Media Releases30 March 2020

The Australian Government, with the cooperation of the West Australian Government and the private Joondalup Health Campus, have concluded a humanitarian agreement to provide care for the 29 passengers from the Artania Cruise ship who have tested positive for COVID-19. Federal Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said, “This humanitarian hospital care will be provided in…

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COVID-19: Whole of population telehealth for patients, general practice, primary care and other medical specialists

Health, Media Releases30 March 2020

To provide continued access to essential primary health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Government is expanding Medicare-subsidised telehealth services for all Australians and providing extra incentives to general practitioners and other health practitioners. These critical changes have been designed in partnership with key stakeholders in the sector including the Australian Medical Association, Australian…

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Travel restrictions for remote areas commence tonight

Health, Media Releases26 March 2020

The Australian Government is working in close collaboration with State and Territory Governments to help save Australian lives by stopping the spread of COVID-19.   Following agreement from the National Cabinet, the movement into certain remote areas is being restricted to protect some of our most vulnerable Australians.   From 11:59pm Thursday 26 March 2020,…

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Australian Government text message regarding Coronavirus prevention steps

Health, Media Releases25 March 2020

Starting today, every Australian mobile phone will be sent a text message from the Australian Government with important steps each person can take to protect their own health, the health of their families and the health of the whole community from the coronavirus.   As the spread of the coronavirus increases, it’s vital every Australian…

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