Bulk billing bump welcomed but calls echo for reforms
An increase in bulk billing rates has been welcomed by patients and medical groups but those with chronic illnesses are warning more needs to be done.
health
Three hospitalised after taking MDMA spiked with opioid
Three people presented to NSW hospitals over the weekend after taking tablets sold as MDMA that contained a potent opioid.
Melanoma researchers joint Australians of the Year
Pioneering scientists Richard Scolyer and Georgina Long, who revolutionised melanoma treatment, have been named joint Australians of the Year.
Australians of the Year aim to cure ‘incurable’ cancer
Melanoma researchers Richard Scolyer and Georgina Long have set their sights on an "incurable" cancer, giving a call to arms after winning awards.
King Charles arrives at hospital for prostate surgery
King Charles has gone into hospital in London to have surgery on an enlarged prostate.
King Charles doing well in hospital after prostate op
King Charles is recovering well after undergoing treatment on an enlarged prostate, royal sources have confirmed.
Aussies urged to ‘call your nan’ as heatwaves intensify
As heatwaves intensify over summer, Australians are being urged to check in with family and friends to avoid the worst impacts of the potentially deadly heat.
How long does immunity last after a COVID infection?
While some lucky people claim to have never had COVID, many are facing our second, third or even fourth infection, often despite having been vaccinated. You might be wondering, how long does immunity last after a previous infection or vaccination?
Monitor for symptoms as measles spreads to three states
Three states are on high alert for measles after three people with the highly infectious virus visited multiple locations over several days while infected.
More than 10,000 spared GP visit under new trials
A series of trials operating across the nation has allowed 10,000 women to get a new supply of the pill or receive treatment for uncomplicated infections.
Disadvantaged regions at risk of dental decay: study
Responsibility for water fluoridation should return to the Queensland government say researchers who found disadvantaged areas had greater dental disease risk.
Ultra-processed foods: here’s what the evidence actually says about them
The perils of ultra-processed foods received widespread coverage in recent months – thanks in no small part to the publication and promotion of TV presenter and doctor of virology Chris Van Tulleken’s book Ultra-Processed People.
First vaccine approved for infectious respiratory virus
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has for the first time approved a vaccine against the highly contagious respiratory syncytial virus.
Yezidi refugees have a field day picking up hockey
A regional Queensland town, home to the largest Yezidi community in Australia, is getting young refugees into hockey to lay roots and heal from their traumas.
Cost of responding to hundreds of MDMA overdoses rising
The cost of responding to MDMA overdoses is on the rise, with hundreds of people admitted to hospital in Victoria each year.
King Charles seeks treatment for enlarged prostate
The Princess of Wales has gone under the knife for a planned abdominal surgery, while King Charles will also be in hospital for a prostate procedure.
HIV-hepatitis project aims to reduce health inequities
A new project focusing on Indigenous-led health initiatives is aiming to help address disproportionate rates of hepatitis and HIV in First Nations communities.
Snake bites and sightings reach a summer peak
Snake bites have sent three people to hospital in the space of three hours as the reptiles are prevalent during Aussie summer.
Subsidy for new treatment of ‘national cancer’ melanoma
A cutting-edge treatment for advanced melanoma will soon be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, with 940 patients expected to benefit.
Boost paid leave to help kids thrive, say famous dads
Hamish Blake, Red Wiggle Simon Pryce and Amar Singh are among famous dads united behind a plan to allow fathers to be more active in their kids' lives.
Croc attack leaves nine-year-old in critical condition
A child was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition after being bitten by a crocodile in a remote area of the Northern Territory.
Pill testing might have stopped festival deaths: study
The rollout of pill-testing services has been thrown back into the spotlight after research highlighted a series of potentially preventable deaths at festivals.
Crackdown slated for $3 billion illegal tobacco trade
Australian Border Force will receive a major funding boost in a crackdown on the illegal tobacco trade the government has labelled a "serious tax crime".
Australia urged to name heatwaves to highlight threats
Spain started giving names to heatwaves in 2022 in a bid to better engage the public and save lives. Now some say Australia should follow suit.
Doctors defend seven-day delay for patient results
Delaying patient results could prevent misinformation and distress, doctors say, as the government tries to scrap wait times for scans and medical tests.
New COVID-19 variant drives festive season surge
COVID-19 infections have spiked in Australia's two most populous states, with a new variant and Christmas festivities driving higher hospitalisations.
Size matters in new worker tests for dust lung diseases
Testing of airborne particles and their effect on workers' lungs may be failing to identify harmful materials, despite a recent ban on engineered stone.
Drug batch fears after suspected overdoses at festival
Multiple revellers have suffered suspected overdoses at a festival, with eight people rushed to hospital in a critical condition and placed in an induced coma.
Fewer doctors offer bulk billing as consult costs rise
Fewer GPs offer bulk billing and people are paying more out of their own pocket despite government incentives targeting child patients and pensioners.
Fed up to the back teeth: rural dental divide revealed
A country dentist says exposure to rural areas during study inspired his professional calling, as an inquiry calls for incentives to study and work in the bush.
Surge in drownings prompts water safety warning
Dozens of tragic deaths have authorities urging Australians to stay safe as they head to the water during the Christmas and New Year holidays.