Blood test shows promise for birth risk early detection A new rapid sensor test can detect pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, as early as 11 weeks.
Contraceptive pill Slinda recommended for PBS listing In its decision, the PBAC highlighted the importance of patients having access to a range of contraceptive options without cost barriers.
Queensland extends free flu vaccination program The vaccinations will be subsidised for residents of all ages from March this year, a move welcomed by the RACGP.
Australian women’s contraception education ‘insufficient’: Survey The report laid bare the ‘deeply entrenched’ bias against women in the health system and called for MBS reform to improve contraception access.
Patient out-of-pocket costs climb The tripling of bulk billing incentives ‘made a significant impact’ but patient costs have risen by almost 6% regardless, says the RACGP as it demands more funding.
Birth trauma inquiry: No more suffering in silence A landmark parliamentary inquiry has found rates of birth trauma are unacceptable and recommended an overhaul of the health system.
RACGP says reliance on bulk billing metric is ‘disappointing’ The Federal Government is facing criticism over claims it has made ‘Medicare stronger’ based on recent GP bulk-billing data.
What GPs are missing in Indigenous suicide A First Nations psychologist shares advice on how to tackle the youth suicide crisis and says GPs are often ‘told to do the wrong things’.
‘Alarming’: Flu vaccination rates fall over 12% It’s the lowest level recorded by the NCIRS in at least four years, as health authorities warn of an increase in influenza-associated deaths.
No progress on lowering preterm birth rate in past decade: WHO More than 150 million babies were born early between 2010–20, a new report highlighting the global ‘silent emergency’ shows.