Archived News for Health Sector Professionals - May, 2013
It might seem innocuous enough, but that morning latte you just sucked down may well be the obstacle stopping you from finally shedding those pounds, according to a team of researchers from the Western Australian Institute of Medical Research (WAIMR).
Government pledges $80 million to eradicate polio
The Federal Government has announced it will contribute $80 million for the eradication of polio over the 2015-18 period.
HIT a health boon finds UQ
High-intensity interval training (HIT) could be the solution to a number of significant health problems, according to the latest research by the University of Queensland (UQ).
Mental health gap widening finds research
A 20 year study conducted by the University of Queensland (UQ) and University of Western Australia (UWA) has identified an alarming gap in life expectancy between those with a mental illness and the broader community.
$1 million for MS research
Research efforts into curing multiple sclerosis will receive a $1 million boost after the Federal Government unveiled plans to assist Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia (MSRA) to continue its world class research.
Government releases PBS report
The Federal Government has released a new report on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), concluding that the scheme has continued to grow with new drug listings and increased demand for existing drugs listed under the scheme.
Aussies smoke less, eat more and live longer finds report
The Council of Australian Government’s (COAG) Reform Council has released its fourth report on the National Healthcare Agreement, concluding that Australians are living longer, smoking less and enjoying better health than ever before.
Government moves to bust immunisation myths
The Federal Government has announced the release of the newest edition of the Immunisation Myths and Realities booklet, providing practitioners with enough information to blast even the most obstinately ill-informed patient out of the water.
Government releases healthcare workforce report
The Federal Government has released a final report of the independent review into the Australia’s health workforce programs.
Strokes decreasing, but many still preventable finds Adelaide
The incidence of strokes in the population has decreased significantly, but many are still preventable according to new research from the University of Adelaide.
Government extends Indigenous health CRC
The Federal Government has announced it will extend funding to the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health for another five years in a bid to further close the health gap between the country’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations.
Bulk billing hits record high
Bulk billing rates for GP services has hit an all-time high of 82.4 per cent in the March quarter, a figure welcomed by Federal Minister for Health Tanya Plibersek.
Emotions run high as DisabilityCare introduced into Parliament
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has introduced legislation before Parliament that will provide for a half a percentage point increase in the Medicare levy from 1.5 per cent to 2 per cent of taxable income to cover the costs of the DisabilityCare, the initiative formally known as the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Government promises funding for asbestos plan
The Federal Government has announced it will invest $10.5 million for the delivery of a national approach to protect Australians from asbestos-related diseases.
Private cover hits record
The number of Australians covered by private health insurance has hit at an all time high, with almost half of the population protected under a plan.
Construction kicks off at Port Lincoln Hospital
The South Australian Government has officially kicked off the construction of the new $39.2 million redevelopment of the Port Lincoln Hospital.
Local government at the fore in countering violence against women
As the branch of government closest to the people, it is the role of the nation’s local government bodies to take a stand against violence against women, according to the President of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) Bill McArthur.
Adelaide kicks off anti-MS stem cell research
The University of Adelaide has kicked off a new three-year research project to examine the potential of using adult stem cells in treating multiple sclerosis.
Eat your greens to fight diabetes
Parents the world-over now have more ammunition in getting their kids to eat their greens after researchers from the University of Queensland (UQ) found that broccoli boosts the battle against type 2 diabetes.
Mental health expenditure tops $28.6 billion
Annual spending on mental health has topped $28.6 billion, according to a new report released by health insurance company Medibank.
Queensland develops test for new bird flu strain
Technicians from Pathology Queensland have announced the development of a test for the new strain of bird flue; H7N9.