Thursday, 18 June 2026
Specialist shortage forecast, Medicare urgent care clinics launched, Bulk billing consent changes ahead
- 01
Federal report reveals looming specialist shortage in Australia
A new federal report indicates Australia is producing more medical graduates but is failing to train enough specialists to meet community needs. By 2048, the country could face a shortage of over 12,800 full-time equivalent GP and non-GP specialists, particularly affecting NSW, Victoria, and Queensland. The report highlights a projected oversupply of nearly 38,000 prevocational hospital doctors by 2048, which may create bottlenecks in the training pipeline. Medical leaders express concern that this imbalance will burden GPs with more complex cases and adversely affect the mental health of medical students.
- 02
All 137 Medicare urgent care clinics now operational
The final Medicare urgent care clinic (UCC) has opened in Queensland, completing a network of 137 clinics across Australia. The government anticipates around two million patients will visit these clinics annually, significantly reducing pressure on emergency departments. Health Minister Mark Butler noted that 45% of UCC patients would have sought emergency care if the clinics were unavailable. The government has committed $1.8 billion over five years to maintain these clinics as a permanent, bulk-billed alternative to hospital services.
- 03
Urgent changes to bulk billing consent requirements for GPs
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing faces a tight deadline to address assignment of benefit changes impacting bulk billing practices for GPs. Starting 1 July, all GP practices must obtain and store a signature from each patient for bulk billing consent, eliminating previous options for verbal consent or indicating inability to sign. Concerns arise particularly for aged care and disability care patients who may lack the capacity to consent. Both the RACGP and AMA presidents confirm ongoing discussions with the department, while independent MP Dr Monique Ryan urges the government to find a solution to avoid leaving vulnerable patients without access to bulk billed care.
- 04
Jazz Pharmaceuticals partners with AbCellera on T-cell engagers
Jazz Pharmaceuticals has announced a collaboration with AbCellera to develop next-generation T-cell-engaging therapies for solid tumors. The agreement includes an upfront payment of $56 million for discovery and early-stage preclinical research on two programs, with potential additional payments of up to $792 million per program based on development milestones. This partnership aims to address the challenges faced by existing T-cell engagers in treating solid tumors, particularly gastrointestinal cancers. The collaboration reflects a growing interest in innovative cancer treatments that engage immune cells more effectively.
via BioPharma Dive
- 05
FDA warns breast biopsy needle shortage to persist until 2027
The FDA announced that the shortage of breast biopsy needles will continue through March 2027, following Hologic's removal of 9 gauge needles for its Brevera Breast Biopsy System due to safety concerns. Hologic advised customers to quarantine and return the affected devices. The FDA indicated that this supply disruption could impact patient care and necessitate changes in clinical management for those scheduled for breast biopsies. The agency has recommended that healthcare providers implement needle conservation strategies and monitor inventory to minimise delays in cancer diagnosis or treatment.
via MedTech Dive
- 06
New biotech Vedana Therapeutics targets migraine prevention therapies
Vedana Therapeutics has launched with a focus on developing new migraine prevention therapies, addressing a significant treatment gap for patients who do not respond to existing CGRP-blocking medications. The startup aims to create antibody drugs targeting the PACAP protein, which is implicated in migraine mechanisms. Vedana's leadership team includes veterans from successful migraine drug development, enhancing its potential for success. The company plans to initiate human trials for its two main programs next year, supported by a $46 million Series A funding round.
via BioPharma Dive
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.