AMA IMMEDIATE PAST-PRESIDENT ON THE NHHRC
The AMA is pleased at the inclusion of Dr Mukesh Haikerwal on the recently established National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (NHHRC).
“We especially welcome the acknowledgement of the AMA’s unique ability to provide advice across all aspects of health with the appointment of former AMA President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal to the Commission,” AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua said.
The AMA also congratulates Dr Christine Bennett, on her appointment as Chair of the NHHRC, and the other Commission appointees. Dr Capolingua said this week that the AMA and the medical profession will support the Commission in its efforts to build a modern, responsive, affordable and equitable health system to meet the needs of all Australians.
The AMA will continue to watch and work closely with the Commission and the Government to ensure our shared objectives become a reality.
Click here to read the AMA media release.
PLANNING AND FUNDING NEEDED NOW IF TRAINING BOTTLENECK TO BE AVOIDED
AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, has warned that Australia risks squandering the benefits of the increased numbers of medical students now in the system unless governments put in place greater training resources and infrastructure to cope with future demand.
“Without sufficient clinical training infrastructure and resources, including the appropriate number of teaching doctors, our future medical students will be driving taxis instead of working as doctors because they won’t be able to complete their medical training,” Dr Capolingua said.
Click here to read the AMA media release.
EDUCATION SEMINARS ON MEDICINES
AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, said this week that pharmaceutical company sponsored education seminars providing doctors with new information about medicines must comply with the Medicines Australia (MA) Code of Conduct.
“Doctors education for medicines is essential for the quality use of medicines”, said Dr Capolingua. The AMA supports the delivery of this information because it is in the best interests of patients that doctors are fully informed about new or improved utilisation of medicines.
Click here to read the AMA media release.
CHANGES TO DENTAL PROGRAM COMING SOON
In 2004 the former Government made dental care available through Medicare to people with chronic illnesses and complex care needs. As part of its election platform the new Government promised to abolish this program and redirect the funding to re-establish a Commonwealth Dental Program.
The AMA expects an announcement in the near future regarding the phasing out of the old program and will advise members of the details as soon as possible.