Industry News

Calls to expand access to Covid antivirals in Australia splits experts and doctors

• Doctors and other medical experts differ in ideas about calls for eligibility expansion of Covid antivirals Lagevrio and Paxlovid.
• Federal Health Minister Mark Butler encourages doctors and patients to consider both drugs since they effectively reduce the symptoms of the virus.
• Professor Mike Toole notes the necessity of more data about the effects of the antivirals before its eligibility expansion.
• Dr. Bruce Willett points out the significance of enhancing community awareness about the drugs while ensuring their access. 

Regional clinics sweep in changes to bulk-billing amid rising costs and doctor shortages

• Many regional clinics are changing their practices in bulk billing due to understaffing in Australia.
• Medicare rebate in South Australia is not keeping up with the increasing costs in the sectors, says the majority of the GPs.
• Leanne Wells, chief executive of Consumers Health Forum of Australia, notes the pressure put on the hands of GPs across the country.
• Meanwhile, the federal government acknowledges the staffing issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic and is committed to providing $146 million in initiatives for extra doctors in the regional areas.

Doctors with disability continue to practise thanks to technology, support and a positive attitude

• Medical professionals with disability continue to pursue their careers with the help of technology in Western Australia.
• Dr. Steven Peterson is a quadriplegic and conducts telehealth in regional hospitals across NSW.
• The support received by disabled doctors helped changed their perceptions about their health condition and in doing their practice.
• Also, telehealth services helped them ensure that they are on the right track for their profession.

Extension of the COVID-19 Aged Care Support Program Extension Grant (GO4863)

• The government continues to support the approved aged care providers' additional cost for COVID-19 management.
• The application for the COVID-19 Aged Care Support Program Extension grant will close on January 31, 2023.
• Among the eligible applicants for the grant are National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program, Home Care Package, and Approved Residential Aged Care providers.
• The grant includes additional salary costs, secure staff travel and accommodation costs, and waste removal costs.