Saturday, 20 June 2026
Pharmacy Code of Conduct update, AHPRA registration streamlining, Bupa expands GP clinic ownership
- 01
Call for Updated Pharmacy Code of Conduct to Reflect Current Practices
A call has emerged for a revised Pharmacy Code of Conduct to better align with current community pharmacy practices. The existing code is seen as inadequate in addressing the unique business model of community pharmacies, which combines retail sales with healthcare services. Concerns have been raised about the implications of this model on patient safety, particularly regarding the management of conditions like urinary tract infections. The need for clearer guidelines is underscored by issues such as inadequate communication between pharmacists and GPs, and the potential for suboptimal patient care.
- 02
AHPRA to Streamline Registration for Internationally Trained Doctors
AHPRA plans to take on more administrative responsibilities for overseas-trained specialist doctors, aiming to reduce the burden on medical colleges and streamline the application process. The Medical Board of Australia will manage applications, English-language checks, and document gathering, while colleges will still assess each doctor. This change is expected to clarify roles among the involved parties and enhance the efficiency of the registration process. Internationally trained doctors, who comprise over 50% of GPs in Australia, will benefit from this new framework, particularly those from the UK, who may now bypass the college process.
- 03
Bupa to Acquire Partnered Health, Expanding GP Clinic Ownership
Bupa plans to acquire the GP chain Partnered Health, which would increase its total number of clinics to 100, making it the fifth-largest general practice operator in Australia. This acquisition includes 68 primary care clinics and extends Bupa's geographical reach into the ACT, Tasmania, South Australia, and Perth. If approved by the ACCC and the Foreign Investment Review Board, Bupa's market share of group GP clinics will rise to approximately 5%. Bupa aims to enhance patient care through a nationally distributed network of healthcare centres while maintaining clinical autonomy for doctors.
- 04
Record High Drug Overdose Deaths Reported in Australia
New data reveals that Australia experienced over 2500 drug overdose deaths in 2024, the highest recorded figure to date. Unintentional overdose deaths surpassed 2000 for the first time, with older Australians aged 50-59 accounting for the highest number of fatalities. Opioids were involved in 40% of these deaths, while stimulant-related deaths rose significantly. Experts are calling for improved opioid risk screening among GPs to address the increasing trend and its implications for public health.
- 05
Moderna flu vaccine receives unanimous FDA panel support
An FDA advisory panel unanimously supported Moderna's experimental flu vaccine, mRNA-1010, indicating that its benefits outweigh risks for adults aged 50 to 64. The panel also found the vaccine beneficial for those aged 65 and older. Moderna seeks standard approval for the former group and accelerated approval for the latter, with a decision expected by August 5. The vaccine aims to improve protection against influenza, particularly in populations with significant influenza burden.
via BioPharma Dive
- 06
Concerns Raised Over Coercive Control in General Practice
A GP has expressed growing unease about increasing regulatory pressures affecting clinical autonomy in general practice. The federal government's new bulk-billing incentive requires practices to commit to 100% bulk billing to access financial incentives, which may lead to financial instability for many. The GP highlighted that practices face rising costs while Medicare funding has decreased significantly over the years. Additionally, the regulatory burden on general practice contrasts sharply with less stringent requirements for other healthcare sectors, raising concerns about equity and sustainability in patient care.
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.