Government

Raising awareness, engagement and inclusion of Allied Health

Anita Hobson-Powell holds the position of Chief Allied Health Officer for the Australian Government within the Department of Health and Aged Care. With a background as an exercise physiologist and extensive experience leading allied health professional associations*, she has been entrusted with three main priorities. First, she aims to raise awareness about the significance of allied health professionals and their role in the healthcare system. This involves ensuring that decision makers and individuals engaging with health services understand the contributions of allied health professionals.

Elevating Professional Standards in the Medtech and Pharmaceutical Sector

ARCS Australia Ltd, the peak body representing professionals in the MedTech and Pharmaceutical sector, this week announced a series of significant changes at its annual conference.

Dr Tim Boyle, CEO of ARCS Australia Ltd speaking to Australian Health Journal says, “These initiatives are central to strategy to build professionalism within the sector, increase capability and enhance the professional standing of its members.”

1 million Australians with undiagnosed thyroid disorders remain at risk of irreparable damage

The Australian Thyroid Foundation is a national not-for-profit organisation with charity status aimed at patients and the healthcare community.  The ATF’s focus is to support and educate its member base and promote our Good Thyroid Health Messaging throughout the Australian Community. 

Australian Thyroid Foundation, CEO Beverley Garside attending the breakfast gave her response to the Federal Budget and the Foundation’s pre-budget submission, which was not granted.

State of Private Hospitals sector in Australia

During Mr Roff’s working career at APHA he has represented the private hospitals sector to nine different Federal Health Ministers and eight Prime Ministers. He believes the government should take steps to regulate the health insurance industry to protect consumers and ensure that Australians have access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare services.

Ensuring stringent quality standards in the lifecycle of medical devices

Dr Jasjit Baveja is the Associate Director of Policy at the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA), where she oversees regulatory affairs, clinical code of practice, procurement, industry policy, reimbursement, and advocacy. With over 20 years of experience in the medical device regulatory space, Dr Bavej’s expertise lies in providing educational opportunities for regulatory professionals in Australia to ensure continuous learning and professional development. She collaborates closely with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to run workshops that provide invaluable experience, networking opportunities, and skill enhancement.

Awareness campaigns and HCP Toolkits for thyroid health

In 2021, the Australian Thyroid Foundation released analysis to show, well over 1 million Australian are living with an undiagnosed thyroid disorder, including thyroid cancer, lower IQs, lifelong disability, and a causal or possible contributory factor – in the development of other neurological disorders such as ADHD and autism. Some of the challenges for diagnosis and treatment can be addressed by producing material for health care practitioners during patient presentations.

‘Recent statistics show well over 1 million Australians are living with an undiagnosed thyroid disorder, awareness and testing can prevent unwarranted outcomes for mothers and their babies’ says ATF CEO Beverley Garside OAM

The Australian Thyroid Foundation has lodged a Pre-Budget Submission for the Federal Budget 2024-25 to counter increasing misinformation on social media creating dietary deficiencies such as an increasing number of young women, who are planning pregnancy or already pregnant opting for plant based milks such almond, soy or oat milk coffee as an alternative to standard cow’s milk, which is a source of iodine and alternate milks do not include.

Health Minister appoints Chair to National One Stop Shop Program

The Australian Government has appointed Emeritus Professor Ian Chubb AC, FAA FTSE to lead key reforms as Chair of the Inter-Governmental Policy Reform Group (IGPRG) for health and medical research, including clinical trials.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, The Hon Mark Butler MP on the selection and appointment said, “Professor Chubb has dedicated his career to improving health and medical research and education in this county and I am pleased he has agreed to share his knowledge and experience through the IGPRG.

Value of MedTech Report brings Industry and Government together

In June 2023 the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) launched The Value of MedTech Report – a major study quantifying the difference the MedTech industry makes to the lives of Australian patients, the healthcare system and the Australian economy. 

Australian Health Journal spoke with MTAA CEO, Ian Burgess and MTAA Policy Manager, Pravin Siriwardena about the report and its key findings.

Recognising service in health regulation

In April 2023, Professor John Skerritt retired from his position of Deputy Secretary Health Products Regulation Group, a role he has been in since 2012. During his time at the TGA he had line responsibility for over 1200 staff involved in the regulation of therapeutic goods, regulation of gene technology and industrial chemicals and control of drug import, export and production.

At this year’s ARCS 2023 Conference, ARCS Australia CEO Dr Shanny Dyer paid tribute to Professor Skerritt and his service to the Australian health industry. She led a tribute with fellow industry heads, Elizabeth de Somer, CEO, Medicines Australia, Anne Harris, Managing Director, Pfizer Australia & New Zealand, Deon Schoombie, CEO, Consumer Healthcare Products Australia, Ian Burgess, CEO, Medical Technology Association of Australia and Arthur Brandwood, President ARCS Australia.

Child Dental Benefits Schedule needing greater awareness

Since its launch in 2014, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule has seen a gradual increase in participation year on year. The impact of COVID-19 and related shutdowns saw participation fall sharply in 2020. Though it increased 2021, the national target of 41% participation was not reached in 2021-2022, with the total (35.4%) more than three percent below 2018 participation rates.

In an opinion segment, Australian Health Journal spoke with Abano Healthcare Group Clinical Director, Dr Fred Calavassy, with over 30 years of clinical experience, about his observations of the Child Dental Benefits Scheme ways to increasing participation rates.

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