This eNewsletter covers Federal and State policy and legislative developments in the area of health. Copies of documents referred to can be obtained by clicking on the reference in this Newsletter or through Capital Monitor's collection at www.capitalmonitor.com.au or from the source quoted.

This edition of the Health newsletter is being published a day early due to the Good Friday public holiday on 10 April. The next edition will be published on Friday, 17 April.

Major Announcements

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

8 April

Looking after people with existing health conditions during COVID-19
The Government is urging all people with chronic health conditions to not neglect their regular health care and to continue to see their general practitioner or specialist about the management of their conditions, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. While COVID-19 is rightly front and centre, it's vitally important people with existing chronic health conditions continue to consult with their doctors, said President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) Tony Bartone. The Government has expanded Medicare-subsidised telehealth services for all Australians and is providing extra incentives to general practitioners to support continued access to essential primary health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, said the President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Harry Nepsolon and Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd.
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Welfare checks to ensure the wellbeing of Senior Australians
Welfare checks will be conducted on Senior Australians who have elected to defer aged care home services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said home care recipients who had suspended services to avoid the risk of contracting the virus would now receive phone calls to ensure their wellbeing. 'We don't want people to fall through the cracks,' Minister Colbeck said. 'Elderly people who receive home care visits are often extremely vulnerable. 'It's clear some Senior Australians are anxious about the risks of visits from providers.'
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Senate Select Committee inquiry into COVID-19
Liberal Senator for Victoria James Paterson will be the government's nominee as deputy chair of the Senate Select Committee into the response to COVID-19. The Senate Committee will be chaired by Labor Senator Katy Gallagher. In the absence of parliamentary sittings due to the COVID-19 crisis, the opposition and government have agreed that the Committee is the appropriate mechanism to scrutinise the government's response and expenditure. 'Parliamentary scrutiny remains important in times of crisis. Given the extraordinary measures governments have been required to implement to tackle COVID-19, it is more important than ever before. I look forward to playing my role in that process on behalf of all Australians,' said Senator Paterson.
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Manufacturing medical devices for COVID-19 including 3-D printing
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is receiving an increased number of enquiries from people seeking to develop medical devices or component parts of medical devices including using 3-D printing or other advanced manufacturing technology. The following guidance aims to assist manufacturers of medical devices and their component parts with meeting their regulatory obligations.
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Exemption to enable the domestic manufacture and supply of ventilators
Recent modelling of the COVID-19 outbreak indicates that up to 8,000 ventilators may be
required to treat patients in Australia, said the TGA. On 8 April 2020 the Therapeutic Goods (Medical Devices-Ventilators) (COVID-19 Emergency) Exemption 2020 was made to support the Australian Government's rapid response to the COVID-19 emergency by facilitating access to medical devices to treat patients requiring invasive ventilation. The new emergency exemption will be in effect until 31 January 2021.
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Notice for Australian manufacturers of new ventilators
The Australian government is increasing the availability of invasive ventilators to support Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in Australia, said the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. The Therapeutic Good Administration (TGA) has published new minimum technical requirements for domestically manufactured ventilators. These requirements ensure the ventilators are suitable for supply and use in Australian hospitals when approved devices are not available during the COVID-19 emergency. Businesses with the capability to manufacture ventilators must ensure they can deliver ventilators in line with these specifications.
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Australia's leading medical researchers on the COVID-19 frontline
In an unprecedented show of collaboration, Australia's health and medical research translation centres are all moving rapidly to assist co-ordination of scientific responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. With collaborative networks that span most of Australia; the peak body Australian Health and Research Alliance (AHRA) have brought together the county's most respected researchers, clinicians and health service leaders to identify research priorities and fast track projects - all with the aim of saving lives and containing the spread of the virus. AHRA's members can collectively turbocharge Australia's ability to unlock the key answers to the world's most pressing health crisis.
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Clinical presentation and management of COVID-19
The Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) has published a new COVID-19 article for immediate release. Written by clinicians from the Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Doherty Institute and the University of Melbourne, the article, entitled Clinical presentation and management of COVID-19, provides a step-by-step guide to the diagnosis, assessment and management of COVID-19 patients. Summary of the article includes:
- The rapid spread severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to the declaration of a global pandemic barely three months after emerging.
- A majority of patients presenting with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) will experience a mild illness that can largely be managed in the community.
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QLD: $5.5m to boost domestic violence services during COVID-19 pandemic
The Queensland State Government is taking urgent action to support domestic and family violence victims with the immediate injection of almost $5.5 million to help manage an anticipated increase in demand for services arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said there were serious concerns for victims of domestic and family violence during the coronavirus crisis due to increased financial pressures and social isolation. In another initiative, Queensland Minister for Police Mark Ryan announced there is now a new domestic and family violence reporting tool now available via the Queensland Police website. Queensland Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said the risk of domestic and family violence was growing as more families faced financial pressures caused by job losses.
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7 April

Update on coronavirus measures
Australian governments met as the National Cabinet to take further action to slow the spread of coronavirus to save lives, and to save livelihoods. 'We will be living with this virus for at least six months, so social distancing measures to slow the spread of this virus must be sustainable for at least that long to protect Australian lives,' said Prime Minister Scott Morrison. 'We need to ensure Australia keeps functioning, to keep Australians in jobs.' There are more than 5,800 confirmed cases in Australia, and more than 2,400 people have recovered from the virus. Sadly 44 people have died.
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Victoria's first rural COVID-19 respiratory clinic begins in Mildura
The first GP-led rural respiratory clinic in Victoria funded as part of the Government's $2.4 billion health package to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak has begun in Mildura. Minister for Regional Health Mark Coulton and Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster welcomed the news that Australia's second rural respiratory clinic was now helping patients in the Mallee. Minister Coulton said the Mildura clinic was one of up to 100 dedicated respiratory clinics to be set up across Australia as part of the Government's response to the outbreak.
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Keeping our kids safe online during COVID-19
A new guide to online safety for parents and carers has specific tips and advice for this time when children are spending more time online because of the response to COVID-19. Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher, and the eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, are encouraging parents and carers to take some simple steps to help keep their kids safe online. Minister Fletcher said that as Australians respond to COVID-19, Australians are using the internet more than ever to work, learn, socialise and be entertained. 'The upcoming school holiday period will be very different for Australian families - and children will be spending a lot of time online,' Minister Fletcher said.
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Private and public hospitals to cooperate on COVID-19 in Victoria and Queensland
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has separately authorised private hospitals in Victoria and in Queensland to cooperate with their state health agencies, public hospitals and each other, as they prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. State governments are seeking to boost the capacity of their health systems during the current health crisis by integrating the operations of public and private hospitals. These two ACCC authorisations will help facilitate this by allowing private and public hospitals in each state, and state governments, to work together; for example by discussing expected demand for services and available resources, sharing and jointly procuring equipment, medicines and other resources, allocating patients between hospitals, or sharing staff.
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Queensland Private Healthcare COVID-19 arrangements
On 6 April 2020 Queensland Health, on behalf of the State of Queensland, applied for authorisation on behalf of itself and specified owners of private healthcare facilities and each of Queensland's Hospital and Health Services (the Applicants). The Applicants are seeking authorisation to discuss, enter and give effect to contracts, arrangements or understandings which have the broad purpose of maximising healthcare capacity and ensuring the State-wide coordination of healthcare services to facilitate the most efficient and effective allocation of healthcare during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Queensland Health seeks authorisation for 12 months from the date of the ACCC's final determination.
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Aiding the global research effort on COVID-19
A team of Monash researchers have determined the 3D-structure of a SARS-CoV-2 protein at atomic resolution using the macromolecular crystallography beamlines Australian Synchrotron, said the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). The Nsp9 protein in SARS shares 97 percent of its sequence with its counterpart from COVID-19. The researchers cloned a version of the CoV-19 Nsp9 protein for the experiments. These structures, which were described in a paper published in the journal bioRxiv, could potentially be used in drug screening and in targeted experiments to disrupt replication of the virus. Determining the shape of a protein is a key step in understanding its function and role in replication of the virus.
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Two in three Australians support Parliamentary Scrutiny of COVID-19 Decisions
New polling shows more than two in three Australians support Australia setting up a COVID-19 response committee modelled on the New Zealand model. The Australia Institute surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,008 people between 3 and 6 April 2020.
Key Findings were:
- More than two in three Australians (68%) support Australia setting up a New Zealand style COVID-19 parliamentary oversight committee, only 13% oppose.
- Before it was suspended, the New Zealand Parliament established a parliamentary committee to scrutinise the New Zealand Government's COVID-19 response. The committee includes representatives of all political parties, and hearings are publicly broadcast.
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Coronavirus priority testing must include paid care workers in people's homes
Carers Australia believes all paid carers and volunteer carers must be eligible for priority coronavirus testing including those who provide care in the home. As matters stand, the Victorian State Government has approved testing for people with at least one clinical criterion and at least one epidemiological criterion. The epidemiological criteria cover paid or unpaid workers in healthcare, residential care, and disability care settings. They call on other states and territories to follow this example. However, it is not clear even in the Victorian provisions that the relevant settings cover care delivered in the home to people with disability or to the aged who are particularly susceptible to the most severe outcomes of contracting the virus.
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Consumers partner COVID clinical taskforce identifying trusted treatments
The Consumers Health Forum (CHF) has joined a national COVID-19 taskforce aimed at ensuring Australians receive trusted and best possible care during the outbreak. 'At a time when the public are exposed to often erroneous claims of cures, it is a great step forward that Australia has established this taskforce to identify early treatments that work, and that consumers can be part of that process,' CEO Leanne Wells said. She was commenting on the new National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce which comprises peak health professional bodies whose members are caring for people with COVID- 19.
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Labor secures agreement to establish Senate Inquiry into COVID-19 response and recovery
Labor has secured an agreement with the Government to establish across-party Senate Select Committee into the Government's response to COVID-19, said Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese. This Senate Committee, to be chaired by Shadow Minister for Finance Senator Katy Gallagher, is designed to be a broad and long-ranging vehicle to scrutinise the Government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic including more than $300 billion of expenditure to date. Labor has worked cooperatively with the Government during all stages of the response to this crisis in the national interest.
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Modelling welcomed, but further detail needed
Labor welcomes the theoretical modelling on the Coronavirus health emergency released by the Government, led by the Doherty Institute, said Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen. The Doherty Institute is a respected institute, and it is appropriate that the Government has commissioned them with this important task. Labor has consistently said that the Government should be as transparent with modelling and data as possible to ensure they are building trust with the Australian people. The more trust that the Government gives the Australian people, the more trust the Australian people will put into the Government.
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ACT: COVID-19 update - 7 April 2020
There has been one (1) new case of COVID-19 recorded in the ACT in the past 24 hours, said the ACT Department of Health. The ACT's total is now 97. The new confirmed case is a female in her 70s who was a close contact of a previous confirmed case. There are currently six (6) COVID-19 patients in Canberra hospitals. A total of 42 cases have recovered from COVID-19 and have been released from self isolation. The remainder are isolating at home with ACT Health support. There have been 5,329 negative COVID-19 tests in the ACT to date.
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QLD: Queensland COVID-19 - Tuesday, April 7
Social distancing and community discipline should continue over the Easter break to keep downward pressure on new coronavirus cases, Queensland Premier Palaszczuk said. 'The Health Minister and I have always said that day to day the number of new cases would vary, and the most important thing is to look at the trend,' Premier Palaszczuk said. 'We've seen some great achievements over the past few days, with 13 new cases in today's figures. So we don't want people to now think it's OK to socialise and travel during the break. We need everyone to please do the right thing. I know we can do it if we all work together.'
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QLD: Testing more people for COVID-19 to fight community spread
The Government is expanding testing for COVID-19 to include people with symptoms that cannot be explained in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Cairns. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said testing will be expanded in areas with potential local community transmission. 'We have tested more than 58,000 people already and now we are stepping it up in three major centres,' Mr Miles said. 'Our hospitals in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Cairns have the capacity to do more tests but only for people who have respiratory symptoms -cough, sore throat or fever.'
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QLD: COVID-19 support for Queenslanders with disability
Queenslanders with disability are being supported through the COVID-19 outbreak, with the Queensland Government and partner organisations working together to ensure vital services remain available and key information is accessible. Queensland Minister for Disability Services Coralee O'Rourke said it was important that people with disability right across the state had support to meet their essential daily needs - such as food and medications. 'Queenslanders with disability, who don't have carers, family or friends to assist them, are encouraged to phone the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 to request essential food, household items and medicines,' Ms O'Rourke said.
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QLD: Queensland novel coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Queensland has 13 new confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) raising the state total to 934. Contact tracing is underway for the 13 new cases. Queensland Health will notify the community if any other public health alerts are required. Among the Queensland cases is an infectious diseases nurse from the Princess Alexandra Hospital, who is currently resting in isolation after contracting novel coronavirus (COVID- 19). The nurse was working in the infectious diseases Unit with COVID-19 patients and then reported feeling unwell.
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SA: Protecting the community and local jobs
Better protections for landlords and private tenants, and a suite of measures to protect South Australian jobs are among the initiatives that form part of the SA State Government's legislative response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). SA Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said the measures would be debated when Parliament resumes. 'We have a strong plan to stop the spread of COVID-19 and minimise the impact on our State,' SA Attorney-General Chapman said. 'A legislative response that supports South Australians, protects local jobs and enact measures that keep our state running is an integral part of that.'
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TAS: Local business building mobile COVID-19 testing clinics
New coronavirus mobile testing clinics are being fitted out over the coming weeks to prepare the health system to meet the future challenges posed by COVID-19 and to deliver services in a safe environment. Tasmanian Minister for Heath Sarah Courtney said these mobile testing clinics are in addition to the modular clinics, with buses being fitted out by local North West company Penguin Composites. 'Our number one priority is keeping Tasmanians as safe and secure as possible during the unprecedented challenges we are currently facing,' Minister Courtney said. Tasmanian Member for Braddon Joan Rylah said Penguin Composites will fit out three buses which will operate as mobile coronavirus testing clinics.
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TAS: Third coronavirus death confirmed
A man in his 80s who tested positive for coronavirus has died at the North West Regional Hospital. The man was a passenger aboard the Ruby Princess. 'On behalf of the Tasmanian Health Service, the Department of Health, and all the dedicated staff at the North West Regional Hospital, I extend my condolences to the man's family and loved ones,' said the Tasmanian Chief Medical Officer. 'Out of respect, it is not appropriate to make further comment about this matter.' Tasmania has now recorded the deaths of three people who tested positive for coronavirus.
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WA: Kyran's COVID Community Update
'Our political and community leaders have risen to the Coronavirus challenge, putting politics aside and working together to make sure our response looks after our health, local jobs and the economy and keeps us all together,' said WA Shadow Minister for Seniors and Ageing Kyran O'Donnell. 'Your WA Liberal team is also working constructively with government in responding to this massive challenge and making sure nobody gets left behind. Locally, I have been in direct contact with all people aged 65 and above to offer assistance and update them with national guidelines for COVID-19. I have also been in contact with all local aged care homes, community service providers and the Goldfields Community Centre to offer assistance if required.'
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6 April

Transfer of ministerial responsibility
Prime Minister Morrison said responsibility for public service matters, including the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC), has been temporarily transferred from the Minister for Health Greg Hunt to Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ben Morton. 'This will allow Minister Hunt to concentrate wholly on the coronavirus response in his Health portfolio. At this time, the focus of all agencies, departments and employees is on delivering the critical functions, services and needs that Australians rely on,' said Mr Morrison. 'Their efforts are keeping Australians healthy, saving lives and livelihoods and ensuring our nation bounces back strongly on the other side of this global pandemic.'
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Have a happy healthy Easter. Please stay at home.
Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud has asked for all Australians to observe the health directives and to stay at home this Easter. Mr Littleproud said getting away at Easter will have to be put on hold this year because the risk of spreading COVID-19 to remote and regional Australia is too great. 'We all have to follow the medical advice from the state and federal Chief Medical Officers and remain in our homes unless it is essential,' Mr Littleproud said. 'Our regions don't have the medical resources that people enjoy in metropolitan Australia.'
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GP clinics to get free NBN boost for telehealth
NBN Co is supporting the delivery of enhanced telehealth services by upgrading Australian GP clinics to 50Mbps download and 20Mbps upload connections at no extra cost for a period of six months. This will enable clinics to deliver multiple telehealth consultations simultaneously following the major expansion of telehealth delivery announced by the Minister for Health Greg Hunt recently in response to COVID-19. Minister Fletcher welcomed NBN Co's decision, which follows the Government's introduction of Medicare-subsidised telehealth services for all Australians.
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RACP says face masks must be conserved for frontline health workers
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) is urging the public not to inappropriately use medical masks, in an effort to ensure that supplies are available for healthcare workers and other at-risk groups. The call comes on the back of reports that the general population is being encouraged to wear masks in public. The RACP says that this behaviour could worsen shortages and put lives at risk. Dr Beata Byok, President of the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and RACP spokesperson said: 'Improper use or reuse of masks has the potential to increase your risk of infection.'
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AMA urges people to continue visiting their doctor for usual care
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is urging people to keep a close watch on their ongoing health care and maintenance, and to not allow the ongoing Covid-19 crisis to prevent this crucial healthcare activity. AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said that fear and concern over COVID 19 should not make people ignore their everyday health. 'People need to continue seeing their doctor, in person or via telehealth, for existing conditions and for regular health maintenance,' Dr Bartone said. 'The AMA is very concerned that some Australians are putting off seeing their doctor or getting a test, investigation, or immunisation due to fears of contracting COVID-19.'
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Using the Delphi method to engage stakeholders in these COVID-19 times
As the health sector and researchers seek to adapt to the changing circumstances, new ways of engaging with stakeholders are needed. 'An effective methodology that the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) has used to engage stakeholders where face-to-face contact is not possible is the Delphi method,' says AHHA Chief Executive Alison Verhoeven. Named after the ancient Oracle of Delphi, the method was originally conceived in 1944 to forecast the impact of technology on warfare. It has been adapted and modified in thousands of ways since. The method works on the premise that group opinion is more valid than individual opinion.
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Drug repurposing; and learning from Singapore
The Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) published two papers on COVID-19 as part of its rapid-review process:
- Drug repurposing in the era of COVID - a market failure needing leadership and government investment; and
- From SARS to COVID-19: the Singapore journey.
'While the discovery and development of new drugs remains essential, a 'new' drug requires approximately 12-16 years' processing time and an investment of US$1-2 billion to achieve regulatory approval. In contrast, repurposing an 'old' drug for a new therapeutic use takes on average 6.5 years to obtain approval and an investment of US$300 million,' said the authors.
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ACT: Expanding services at Weston-Creek Respiratory Assessment Centre
The ACT Government is continuing to boost its public health services to ensure the ACT is prepared for an increase in patients requiring care for COVID-19. The Weston Creek Walk-in Centre was recently confirmed as a dedicated Respiratory Assessment Centre (RAC), with people seeking treatment for minor injuries or other illness requested to attend the Walk-in Centres at Tuggeranong, Belconnen or Gungahlin. 'This service will help to reduce the number of patients presenting at emergency departments or being admitted to hospital by providing expert medical support quickly and conveniently,' said ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith.
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ACT: COVID-19 Update - second death in the ACT
The ACT Department of Health said ACT Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerryn Coleman, advised the Canberra community of the ACT's second death from COVID-19. The individual, a male in his 80s, had pre-existing health issues and died at The Canberra Hospital. 'It is my sad duty to report that the ACT has recorded its second death from COVID-19,' Dr Coleman said. 'I offer my sincere condolences to this person's family and friends. My thoughts are with you in this very difficult time.' Dr Coleman said the very sad reality of this disease is that the elderly and the vulnerable are at a greatly increased risk of complications.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW Health said as at 8pm, Sunday, 5 April 2020, an additional 57 cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed, since 8pm 4 April, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in NSW to 2,637. 'There are 249 people with COVID-19 being treated by NSW Health. This includes 40 people in Intensive Care Units, and 22 of these require ventilators' said NSW Health. 'More than half the remaining cases are being treated through Hospital in the Home services. Sadly, NSW Health confirms the death of 2 people from COVID-19, bringing the state's total deaths to 18.'
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NSW: Frontline workers need legal protection as new data shows COVID-19 workers compensation claims being refused
Urgent legal reforms are needed to ensure frontline workers who contract Covid-19 are covered by workers compensation as new data shows there have already been 111 COVID-19 related compensation claims in NSW and 11 have been rejected, said NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge. Mr Shoebridge said no claims have been identified as approved 'We have an obligation to protect every one of those workers who are placing their health at risk by continuing to provide for the needs of the community during the pandemic' said Mr Shoebridge. 'We are already seen claims being denied, with 11 of the 111 claims made to date refused.'
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
The NSW Department of Health said as at 8pm, Sunday, 5 April 2020, an additional 57 cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed, since 8pm 4 April, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in NSW to 2,637. There are 249 people with COVID-19 being treated by NSW Health. This includes 40 people in Intensive Care Units, and 22 of these require ventilators. More than half the remaining cases are being treated through Hospital in the Home services. Sadly, NSW Health confirms the death of 2 people from COVID-19, bringing the state's total deaths to 18.
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QLD: Queensland COVID-19 - Monday, April 6
Queensland Premier Palaszczuk said a welcome downward trend in new coronavirus cases was continuing, while testing for community transmissions will be expanded. Ms Palaszczuk said 14 new cases was another encouraging sign. 'So everyone keep up your social distancing, and stay in your suburb,' said Ms Palaszczuk. 'Additional testing has been announced for people who are unwell, not just previously eligible testing groups, to gauge community transmission in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Cairns. Meanwhile, Maritime Safety Queensland is processing requests from cruise ships to enter the Port of Brisbane to refuel and provision prior to the 8 April deadline to leave Australia.'
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QLD: $17.5 million plan to protect families of health heroes
Thousands of Queensland's frontline health workers could be provided free accommodation if they want to self-isolate. Queensland Premier Palaszczuk said the $17.5 million plan would help health workers protect their families if the COVID-19 pandemic worsens. 'This is a back-up plan only, one we hope we never have to use,' the Premier said. 'If COVID-19 cases rise significantly in Queensland we need to consider how we can not only protect our clinicians on the frontline, but also their families.' Queensland Minister Miles said Queensland Health had been investigating the option as part of their contingency planning.
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QLD: Queensland novel coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Queensland Health announced Queensland has 14 new confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) raising the state total to 921. 'Contact tracing is underway for the 14 new cases. Queensland Health will notify the community if any other public health alerts are required,' said Queensland Health. 'The majority of cases are from patients who have travelled overseas, or have had direct contact with a confirmed case who had travelled overseas. The number of confirmed cases we see each day is expected to vary as we continue to respond to the COVID-19 situation across the state.'
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QLD: Queensland manufacturers Evolve in time of need
Queensland manufacturers are stepping up like never before to provide essential products for health workers and communities in response to the coronavirus. Queensland Premier Palaszczuk said Queensland's manufacturers and producers have come forward to make and deliver urgently needed on-going supplies of vital personal protection equipment. Queensland Minister for Manufacturing Cameron Dick said the Evolve Group is just one of many Queensland companies gearing up to manufacture large volumes of essential goods. 'Evolve is a great Queensland manufacturing story, and the announcement could see around 60,000 N95 face masks manufactured each day to help meet the ongoing need for personal protective equipment,' Mr Dick said.
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QLD: Mighty manufacturers #MakingItForQLD
Queensland manufacturers who are mobilising and repurposing to support the state during the COVID-19 crisis are being asked to share their inspiring stories as part of the #MakingItForQLD campaign. Queensland Minister Dick said the response from manufacturers and producers from all over Queensland was nothing short of amazing. 'Our mighty manufacturers have stepped up production, explored new ideas and are going above and beyond in the fight against coronavirus,' Mr Dick said. 'This includes companies that are doing everything they can to support the home-grown manufacturing of essential health care supplies such as face masks, hand sanitisers, gowns and ventilators.'
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SA: More beds and stronger workforce at WCH
The Women's and Children's Hospital has opened more high dependency beds and is training about 80 nurses to work in high-level care settings, as part of its coronavirus response, said SA Premier Steven Marshall. Mr Marshall said the extra beds and additionally trained nurses form part of a suite of decisive measures to bolster the health system in readiness for when the disease peaks. 'The South Australian Government has a strong plan to mobilise South Australia's health resources in the fight against COVID-19,' said Mr Marshall. 'The Women's and Children's Hospital will be on the frontline of dealing with the most severe cases of this insidious disease.'
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TAS: NWRH staff test positive for coronavirus
The Tasmanian Department of Health said one of two positive coronavirus cases has been confirmed as a staff member of the North West Regional Hospital. 'An investigation has begun immediately into identifying and contacting any person who has had close contact with this staff member, both inside and outside of the hospital' said the Department. 'The investigation into the two North West Regional Hospital staff members who tested positive to coronavirus is continuing. While it may be necessary for other staff and patients to be tested for coronavirus, this will occur as investigations progress.'
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WA: Second regional COVID clinic joins fight against coronavirus
A dedicated COVID clinic will open at Broome Hospital as part of the Western Australian Government's immediate response to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in the Kimberley region. The clinic will operate from 8.30am-4pm, seven days a week and will be staffed by clinicians and administrative teams following strict infection control measures. WA Minister for Health Roger Cook said 'it makes sense that we would move to establish a dedicated clinic in the town and implore anyone experiencing either a fever or an acute respiratory infection to get tested as soon as possible.' WA Member for Kimberley Josie Farrer said 'I am pleased to hear that the COVID clinic is opening in Broome.'
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5 April

ACT: COVID-19 Update 5 April 2020
The ACT Department of Health said there have been three (3) new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the ACT's total to 96. The new cases consist of two (2) males and one (1) female, aged between 25 to 55. Two (2) of the new cases are linked to overseas travel, and the other is under investigation. There are currently six (6) COVID-19 patients in Canberra hospitals. A total of 28 cases have recovered from COVID-19 and have been released from self-isolation. The remainder are isolating at home with ACT Health support. There have been 5,258 negative COVID-19 tests in the ACT to date.
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QLD: Queensland COVID-19 Update - Sunday, April 5
The relatively low rate of increase in coronavirus cases is welcome news but also reinforces the need to maintain social distancing to contain the spread. Queensland Premier Palaszczuk said there was a long way to go but the fact that only nine new cases had been confirmed was good news. 'It goes to show that all of the measures that we've been putting in place over the last weeks are having an impact, and we need to make sure that we continue,' Ms Palaszczuk said. 'Sadly though, a fifth Queenslander has died, reminding us again of the seriousness.'
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WA: COVID-19 update - 5 April 2020
The WA Department of Health reported 17 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the State's total to 453. Of these confirmed cases 16 are from metropolitan Perth and one is from the Great Southern region. Three of the cases are related to cruise ships and six to overseas travel. Three are close contacts of confirmed cases, three are health care workers and five are still under investigation. As with all new confirmed cases, contact tracing is underway. There are currently 59 confirmed COVID-19 patients in Perth metropolitan hospitals, with 18 in ICU. To date, 17,744 Western Australians have tested negative for COVID-19. Of these 2,680 are from regional WA.
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4 April

SA: COVID-19 Update 4 April 2020
The SA Department of Health said eleven people in South Australia have tested positive for COVID-19. There have now been a total of 407 confirmed cases in South Australia. The cases range in age from a teenager through to a person in their 70s. 'To date, 46 people have been confirmed cleared of COVID-19 however we expect this number to increase as our data is updated. Investigations are ongoing into the cluster of cases identified at Adelaide Airport,' said the Department. 'Six additional cases are linked to close contacts of the baggage handlers, bringing the total cluster to 25.'
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VIC: More disease detectives to help fight Coronavirus
The Victorian Government has 1000 people working-around-the-clock on the public health response to coronavirus in Victoria, working on contact tracing effort. Victorian Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos said the work of public health support staff to track and trace cases was vital to flattening the curve of the disease in Victoria and saving lives. The contact tracing team includes many roles such as epidemiologists, public health clinicians, logistics, phone operators and data entry staff - all who support the central task of case and contact tracing. The team, which was already in place trace the close contacts of diseases such as measles, has grown rapidly - from a team of 57.
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WA: COVID-19 update - 4 April 2020
The WA Department of Health has reported 14 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the State's total to 436. Of these confirmed cases, five are from the Artania, 12 are from metropolitan Perth, 1 is from the Kimberley region and 1 is from the Pilbara region. Outside of the Artania cases, four of the cases are related to cruise ships and four to overseas travel. One is still under investigation. As with all new confirmed cases, contact tracing is underway. There are currently 58 confirmed COVID-19 patients in Perth metropolitan hospitals, with 18 in ICU. To date, 16,815 Western Australians have tested negative for COVID-19. Of these 2,409 are from regional WA.
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3 April

Immediate response plan to focus on people with disability during coronavirus
The Government is committed to ensuring the well-being of Australians with disability are considered as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. As such, an advisory group has been established by the Government to guide development and implementation of a response plan focusing on the unique health needs of people with disability during the coronavirus pandemic, said Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston. The advisory group will develop and implement the Management and Operational Plan for People with Disability, said Minister for the National Disability Scheme Stuart Robert.
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QLD: Six new paramedics for Mackay to boost COVID-19 frontline response
The fight against COVID-19 continues with additional Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) officers fast-tracked into Queensland communities to assist in the pandemic response. Queensland Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the region can be reassured the Government is continuing to boost frontline resources to assist patients who've contracted the virus. Queensland Minister Miles said ambulance officers are playing a big role in identifying potential COVID-19 cases and getting patients to facilities where they can be tested, and isolated and treated as required.
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QLD: Mackay Health Heroes combatting the COVID-19 crisis
Mackay doctors, nurses, paramedics and health professionals are expected to receive up to $70 million in extra funding to ramp up their COVID-19 preparations thanks to the Government. Queensland Minister Miles met with staff at Mackay Base Hospital with Queensland Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert to thank staff for their dedication to protecting their community. Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said COVID-19 has impacted communities across the state, including in Mackay. 'I would like to thank the staff at Mackay Hospital and Health Service for their ongoing dedication to protecting their fellow Queenslanders,' Ms Gilbert said.
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SA: Fee relief for COVID19-hit resources sector
The SA State Government has deferred costs linked to exploration and licence fees for the minerals and petroleum sectors to alleviate the impact on industry of coronavirus containment measures. SA Minister for Energy and Mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan said the impact of travel restrictions and social distancing on the operation of the state's mining and petroleum sectors has been significant. 'To meet this challenge head-on the South Australian Government will defer a suite of industry licence fees,' said Minister van Holst Pellekaan. 'The Marshall Liberal Government has implemented an immediate deferral of mineral exploration licence fees and annual petroleum and geothermal licence fees due in the next six months.'
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TAS: Government backs Tasmanian GPs and Pharmacies
'The health, safety and wellbeing of Tasmanians is our number one priority as we face the challenges of the coronavirus outbreak,' said Tasmanian Minister Courtney. 'I am pleased to announce that our new Primary Health Care Grants are now open for applications through the Business Tasmania website.' The Tasmanian State Government is investing $5 million to support the primary healthcare sector to ensure GPs and pharmacists are supported so they can continue providing essential primary health services to their local communities as they continue to battle COVID-19.
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VIC: Crisis council of cabinet set up to combat Coronavirus
Victorian Premier Andrews said the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is something that Victoria and the nation has not faced in this lifetime and it presents an unprecedented challenge to the operation of Government. 'It has already disrupted our lives in ways we could not have imagined, even four weeks ago. As a Government, it is our job to respond to this health emergency now to keep Victorians safe, and then ensure our state is best placed to recover and rebuild when we get to the other side of this crisis,' said Mr Andrews.
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Aged Care

8 April

Welfare checks to ensure the wellbeing of Senior Australians
Welfare checks will be conducted on Senior Australians who have elected to defer aged care home services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said home care recipients who had suspended services to avoid the risk of contracting the virus would now receive phone calls to ensure their wellbeing. 'We don't want people to fall through the cracks,' Minister Colbeck said. 'Elderly people who receive home care visits are often extremely vulnerable. It's clear some Senior Australians are anxious about the risks of visits from providers.'
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7 April

Coronavirus priority testing must include paid care workers in people's homes
Carers Australia believes all paid carers and volunteer carers must be eligible for priority coronavirus testing including those who provide care in the home. As matters stand, the Victorian State Government has approved testing for people with at least one clinical criterion and at least one epidemiological criterion. The epidemiological criteria cover paid or unpaid workers in healthcare, residential care, and disability care settings. They call on other states and territories to follow this example. However, it is not clear even in the Victorian provisions that the relevant settings cover care delivered in the home to people with disability or to the aged who are particularly susceptible to the most severe outcomes of contracting the virus.
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

None this edition.

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Allied Health

None this edition.

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Children's Health

7 April

Keeping our kids safe online during COVID-19
A new guide to online safety for parents and carers has specific tips and advice for this time when children are spending more time online because of the response to COVID-19. Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher, and the eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, are encouraging parents and carers to take some simple steps to help keep their kids safe online. Minister Fletcher said that as Australians respond to COVID-19, Australians are using the internet more than ever to work, learn, socialise and be entertained. 'The upcoming school holiday period will be very different for Australian families - and children will be spending a lot of time online,' Minister Fletcher said.
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Clinical Governance

8 April

Technology delivers social distancing for healthcare in fight against COVID-19
Technology is poised to further help Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic through electronic prescriptions that will allow people allow convenient access to their medicines to people practising social distancing and self-isolation, said the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA). This new development will complement the My Health Record which is already making critical health information available when it's most needed. Ms Bettina McMahon interim CEO says: 'The use of technology in healthcare has never been more critical, and Australia is in a better position than many other countries when it comes to digital health. Electronic prescriptions are another vital tool that will help to create a connected healthcare system for Australia.'
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Construction and Health Infrastructure

None this edition.

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Dental

None this edition.

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Disabilities

7 April

Coronavirus priority testing must include paid care workers in people's homes
Carers Australia believes all paid carers and volunteer carers must be eligible for priority coronavirus testing including those who provide care in the home. As matters stand, the Victorian State Government has approved testing for people with at least one clinical criterion and at least one epidemiological criterion. The epidemiological criteria cover paid or unpaid workers in healthcare, residential care, and disability care settings. They call on other states and territories to follow this example. However, it is not clear even in the Victorian provisions that the relevant settings cover care delivered in the home to people with disability or to the aged who are particularly susceptible to the most severe outcomes of contracting the virus.
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QLD: COVID-19 support for Queenslanders with disability
Queenslanders with disability are being supported through the COVID-19 outbreak, with the Queensland Government and partner organisations working together to ensure vital services remain available and key information is accessible. Queensland Minister for Disability Services Coralee O'Rourke said it was important that people with disability right across the state had support to meet their essential daily needs - such as food and medications. 'Queenslanders with disability, who don't have carers, family or friends to assist them, are encouraged to phone the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 to request essential food, household items and medicines,' Ms O'Rourke said.
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6 April

NDIA launches platform to match participants and providers with support workers
As part of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)'s response to the coronavirus pandemic, NDIS participants and providers can now connect with matching platforms through the NDIS website - to quickly and easily find the support workers they need. 'We know that NDIS participants and their families; and NDIS providers may be looking for workers to deliver much needed disability supports, and provide extra cover in these times' said the NDIA. 'For participants, there are a number of matching platforms that can help you quickly and easily connect to support workers.'
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Important information for WA service providers: COVID-19 disability specific taskforce and dedicated phone line established
The National Disability Service (NDS) welcomes the establishment of an Incident Management Team within the Department of Communities, coordinating a response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Western Australia. This Team includes a disability-specific Taskforce of senior officers from Communities, disability sector organisations, advocacy organisations and union representatives. It will focus on ways to help protect and support people with disability by:
- Developing workforce readiness and contingency planning
- Sharing resources amongst the disability sector, and
- Establishing links with relevant mainstream agencies such as WA Health.
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3 April

Immediate response plan to focus on people with disability during coronavirus
The Government is committed to ensuring the well-being of Australians with disability are considered as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. As such, an advisory group has been established by the Government to guide development and implementation of a response plan focusing on the unique health needs of people with disability during the coronavirus pandemic, said Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston. The advisory group will develop and implement the Management and Operational Plan for People with Disability, said Minister for the National Disability Scheme Stuart Robert.
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Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

None this edition.

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E-Health

None this edition.

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Education and Training

None this edition.

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Funding

3 April

QLD: Mackay Health Heroes combatting the COVID-19 crisis
Mackay doctors, nurses, paramedics and health professionals are expected to receive up to $70 million in extra funding to ramp up their COVID-19 preparations thanks to the Government. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles met with staff at Mackay Base Hospital with Queensland Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert to thank staff for their dedication to protecting their community. Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said COVID-19 has impacted communities across the state, including in Mackay. 'I would like to thank the staff at Mackay Hospital and Health Service for their ongoing dedication to protecting their fellow Queenslanders,' Ms Gilbert said.
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Health Professionals

8 April

Rescue package urgently needed for general practices.
The Australian General Practice Alliance (AGPA) warns that many practices are struggling with the transition to Telehealth and without additional government support some will be forced to close their doors. It said if General Practice was to lead the fight against COVID-19, it was essential that a more robust financial setting for General Practice was developed as a matter of urgency. Practices costs have risen dramatically with the need to move operations to Telehealth while some Practices have seen a drop in revenue of up to 70% as patients fearful of contracting COVID-19 and unfamiliar with Telehealth were avoiding treatment altogether.
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Medical students 'call' for telehealth
The Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) commends the recent announcements by the Government regarding funding changes, particularly the broadening of telehealth eligibility. AMSA Rural Health Chair, Sarah Clark, said that she is excited to see the years of advocacy by the Australian Medical Association (AMA), the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA), and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) come to fruition with measures that not only address the needs of all Australians now, but equip practitioners with the resources and skills to continue delivering these services to rural and remote communities in the future.
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6 April

GP clinics to get free NBN boost for telehealth
NBN Co is supporting the delivery of enhanced telehealth services by upgrading Australian GP clinics to 50Mbps download and 20Mbps upload connections at no extra cost for a period of six months. This will enable clinics to deliver multiple telehealth consultations simultaneously following the major expansion of telehealth delivery announced by the Minister for Health Greg Hunt recently in response to COVID-19. Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher welcomed NBN Co's decision, which follows the Government's introduction of Medicare-subsidised telehealth services for all Australians.
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RACP says face masks must be conserved for frontline health workers
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) is urging the public not to inappropriately use medical masks, in an effort to ensure that supplies are available for healthcare workers and other at-risk groups. The call comes on the back of reports that the general population is being encouraged to wear masks in public. The RACP says that this behaviour could worsen shortages and put lives at risk. Dr Beata Byok, President of the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and RACP spokesperson said 'improper use or reuse of masks has the potential to increase your risk of infection.'
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AMA urges people to continue visiting their doctor for usual care
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is urging people to keep a close watch on their ongoing health care and maintenance, and to not allow the ongoing Covid-19 crisis to prevent this crucial healthcare activity. AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said that fear and concern over COVID 19 should not make people ignore their everyday health. 'People need to continue seeing their doctor, in person or via telehealth, for existing conditions and for regular health maintenance,' Dr Bartone said. 'The AMA is very concerned that some Australians are putting off seeing their doctor or getting a test, investigation, or immunisation due to fears of contracting COVID-19.'
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NSW: Frontline workers need legal protection as new data shows COVID-19 workers compensation claims being refused
Urgent legal reforms are needed to ensure frontline workers who contract Covid-19 are covered by workers compensation as new data shows there have already been 111 COVID-19 related compensation claims in NSW and 11 have been rejected, said NSW MP David Shoebridge. Mr Shoebridge said no claims have been identified as approved 'We have an obligation to protect every one of those workers who are placing their health at risk by continuing to provide for the needs of the community during the pandemic' said Mr Shoebridge. 'We are already seen claims being denied, with 11 of the 111 claims made to date refused.'
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NT: Health staff cheered by students' praise
The NT Department of Education said medical staff at the Royal Darwin Hospital were delighted to receive complimentary messages from Nakara Primary School students. Aware of the dimensions of the COVID-19 pandemic, about 27 children from Year 1 expressed their gratitude for the unstinting work of the health professionals. Teacher Joanne Green said 'we've been doing social studies on the virus to keep the students informed. As teachers, our instruction has targeted those who are helping us in these difficult times, and how we can make them feel appreciated.'
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QLD: $17.5 million plan to protect families of health heroes
Thousands of Queensland's frontline health workers could be provided free accommodation if they want to self-isolate. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the $17.5 million plan would help health workers protect their families if the COVID-19 pandemic worsens. 'This is a back-up plan only, one we hope we never have to use,' the Premier said. 'If COVID-19 cases rise significantly in Queensland we need to consider how we can not only protect our clinicians on the frontline, but also their families.' Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said Queensland Health had been investigating the option as part of their contingency planning.
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Hospitals

7 April

Private and public hospitals to cooperate on COVID-19 in Victoria and Queensland
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has separately authorised private hospitals in Victoria and in Queensland to cooperate with their state health agencies, public hospitals and each other, as they prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. State governments are seeking to boost the capacity of their health systems during the current health crisis by integrating the operations of public and private hospitals. These two ACCC authorisations will help facilitate this by allowing private and public hospitals in each state, and state governments, to work together; for example by discussing expected demand for services and available resources, sharing and jointly procuring equipment, medicines and other resources, allocating patients between hospitals, or sharing staff.
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TAS: King Island Hospital redevelopment suspended
Works to upgrade the King Island Hospital will be suspended to mitigate any risk to the community posed by unnecessary travel, said Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney. Construction will stop by Friday 10 April, which will allow for the completion of essential work, including a dedicated room to respond to coronavirus, the installation of heating systems and the completion of the fire service water mains. The redevelopment requires a number of people to be moving from mainland Tasmania to King Island and return, and it is necessary that this be minimised given the current risks associated with coronavirus. This will delay the scheduled completion date beyond December 2020.
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6 April

NT: Health staff cheered by students' praise
The NT Department of Education said medical staff at the Royal Darwin Hospital were delighted to receive complimentary messages from Nakara Primary School students. Aware of the dimensions of the COVID-19 pandemic, about 27 children from Year 1 expressed their gratitude for the unstinting work of the health professionals. Teacher Joanne Green said: 'We've been doing social studies on the virus to keep the students informed. As teachers, our instruction has targeted those who are helping us in these difficult times, and how we can make them feel appreciated.'
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SA: More beds and stronger workforce at WCH
The Women's and Children's Hospital has opened more high dependency beds and is training about 80 nurses to work in high-level care settings, as part of its coronavirus response, said SA Premier Steven Marshall. Mr Marshall said the extra beds and additionally trained nurses form part of a suite of decisive measures to bolster the health system in readiness for when the disease peaks. 'The South Australian Government has a strong plan to mobilise South Australia's health resources in the fight against COVID-19,' said Mr Marshall. 'The Women's and Children's Hospital will be on the frontline of dealing with the most severe cases of this insidious disease.'
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TAS: NWRH staff test positive for coronavirus
The Tasmanian Department of Health said one of two positive coronavirus cases has been confirmed as a staff member of the North West Regional Hospital. 'An investigation has begun immediately into identifying and contacting any person who has had close contact with this staff member, both inside and outside of the hospital' said the Department. 'The investigation into the two North West Regional Hospital staff members who tested positive to coronavirus is continuing. While it may be necessary for other staff and patients to be tested for coronavirus, this will occur as investigations progress.'
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WA: Second regional COVID clinic joins fight against coronavirus
A dedicated COVID clinic will open at Broome Hospital as part of the Western Australian Government's immediate response to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in the Kimberley region. The clinic will operate from 8.30am-4pm, seven days a week and will be staffed by clinicians and administrative teams following strict infection control measures. WA Minister for Health Roger Cook said: 'It makes sense that we would move to establish a dedicated clinic in the town and implore anyone experiencing either a fever or an acute respiratory infection to get tested as soon as possible.' WA Member for Kimberley Josie Farrer said: 'I am pleased to hear that the COVID clinic is opening in Broome.'
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3 April

QLD: Six new paramedics for Mackay to boost COVID-19 frontline response
The fight against COVID-19 continues with additional Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) officers fast-tracked into Queensland communities to assist in the pandemic response. Queensland Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the region can be reassured the Government is continuing to boost frontline resources to assist patients who've contracted the virus. Queensland Minister for Health and Minister for Ambulance Services Steven Miles said ambulance officers are playing a big role in identifying potential COVID-19 cases and getting patients to facilities where they can be tested, and isolated and treated as required.
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Insurance

8 April

Private health insurers to cooperate on COVID-19 coverage and deferral of premiums
Private health insurers have been granted conditional interim authorisation to co-ordinate on providing financial relief to policy holders during the COVID-19 pandemic, and broadening insurance coverage to include COVID-19 treatment, tele-health and medical treatment provided at home. The ACCC granted interim authorisation after receiving an application lodged by Private Healthcare Australia (PHA), Members Health Fund Alliance and the members of both groups. The interim authorisation is conditional on details of proposed measures being provided to the ACCC in advance. It also excludes agreements to increase premiums, and specifies that any agreements reached must terminate when authorisation ceases.
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7 April

07 APR 2020: DEPT OF HEALTH: Private Health Insurance Circular PHI 26/20 - Amendments to the March 2020 Prostheses List

Health funds should stop charging people for services they can't get
CHOICE says health insurers should reduce premiums by 50% in light of the COVID-19 crisis. 'Government restrictions mean that people aren't going to be able to effectively use their private health insurance this year. The industry must return premiums to people who still have cover. 50% less availability of services should mean people pay 50% less in premiums,' says Health Insurance Expert Dean Price. 'People won't be able to use the normal services that would allow them to claim on their private health insurance and insurers' costs will be going down as a result.'
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Health funds must inform members of windfall gains
Health funds must level with their members and give specific undertakings now to return the funds they save as a result of the COVID-19 shutdown of elective surgery, the Consumers Health Forum (CHF) said. 'We welcome the commitment by health funds to reimburse windfall gains to members. Independent estimates put at billions of dollars the surpluses the funds are expected to generate in coming months,' CEO Leanne Wells said. 'The bottom line is that particularly at this time of financial hardship for many consumers, it is members who should be the beneficiaries. It is, after all their money, paid in ever-escalating premiums.'
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6 April

Private health funds to reap $5 billion pandemic windfall
New research from The Australia Institute shows that Australia's private health insurers are set to enjoy a windfall of between $3.5 billion and $5.5 billion over the next six months. 'The takeover of private hospitals by Governments, social distancing and other policies to counter corona virus mean that far fewer services will be provided to private health insurance policy holders,' said Roy Harvey, report author and health finance expert. 'Visits to dentists, physios, chiropractors and other services by policy holders will be significantly reduced as a result of social distancing rules and 'stay at home' advice to older Australians.'
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Medicare

None this edition.

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Men's Health

None this edition.

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Mental Health

None this edition.

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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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Pharmaceuticals

8 April

Vigour 800 tablets
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has tested a product labelled Vigour 800 tablets and found that the tablets contain the undeclared substance sildenafil. Consumers are advised that sildenafil is a prescription-only (S4) medicine in Australia. The supply of Vigour 800 tablets containing undisclosed sildenafil is illegal. Vigour 800 tablets have not been assessed by the TGA for quality, safety or efficacy as required under Australian legislation, and the place of manufacture is not approved by the TGA.
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Recall notifications to the TGA or to GS1 Australia's Recall Health platform
This interim statement relates to the use of the Recall Health platform provided by GS1 Australia and sponsor responsibilities for therapeutic goods recalls undertaken in Australia. In line with advice first issued in December 2013, the TGA wishes to again clarify that it is not a Commonwealth requirement for sponsors of therapeutic goods in Australia to sign up to use the platform in order to undertake recall actions.
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Exporting therapeutic goods
To export therapeutic goods from Australia for commercial purposes, exporters must meet certain regulatory requirements set out in the Australian therapeutic goods legislation, said the TGA. The goods must be entered in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) before they can be legally exported, unless they are exempt from being entered in the ARTG. Every ARTG entry belongs to a 'sponsor' who is responsible for applying for and maintaining the ARTG entry. An exporter planning to export a therapeutic good for commercial supply overseas must be the sponsor named in the ARTG entry for that good, or an authorised agent acting on behalf of the sponsor.
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Hydroxychloroquine and COVID-19 - we don't know if it is safe or if it works
Despite news reports from around the world touting it as a wonder drug, Australians are being reminded that the use of the medicine hydroxychloroquine for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 is experimental, and should only be used by people with COVID-19 in a clinical trial setting or for severely ill patients in hospital, said NPS Medicinewise. As a result of people trying to obtain this medicine for off-label use, supply restrictions have been put in place to minimise the risk of harm and also to ensure continued supply for people who need it to manage their chronic health conditions not related to COVID-19.
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Pharmacies ready to help protect Australians against the flu
Community pharmacies stand ready to help all Australians follow the advice of the Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, to get their flu vaccination this month. Many pharmacies have received - or will soon receive - their stock of flu vaccine and offer a convenient, and accessible way for people to be vaccinated. National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, George Tambassis, said it was especially important for all Australians to be vaccinated against the flu this year - and to be vaccinated early.
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New RUM bins
The Return Unwanted Medicines Project has released new one-way RUM bins which have been designed to provide increased security and privacy for consumers, pharmacists and those transporting the bins. The secure one-way entry means that once unwanted or expired medicines have been placed into the new bin, they cannot be removed, said the Pharmacy Guild of Australia. The RUM Project has sourced a new manufacturer and the Australian-made product is made from fully recycled product.
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PBS continued dispensing a win for all Australian
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has welcomed moves by the Government to ensure Australians have access to medications through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme during the COVID-19 crisis. The extension of PBS subsidy access for medicines supplied under emergency provisions follows the initial measure which was implemented during the bushfires in January and was due to expire. The National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, George Tambassis, thanked Health Minister Greg Hunt for acting to ensure all Australians have access to critical medicines when they might not have a prescription, or a when a prescriber is unavailable.
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