Saturday, 4 July 2026
Sublocade PBS withdrawal concerns, New GP incentive for veterans, NSW health funding accountability call
- 01
Sublocade withdrawal from PBS raises concerns for opioid addiction treatment
Indivior will withdraw Sublocade, a slow-release buprenorphine injection, from the PBS in January, citing a commercial decision. This move has raised concerns among GPs, particularly those specialising in addiction medicine, as it may distress patients who prefer this treatment over alternatives. While other options like Buvidal and oral formulations exist, the convenience of a monthly injection makes Sublocade a preferred choice for many. Indivior has committed to maintaining supply until the last reimbursement claim date of 31 December 2026, aiming for an orderly transition.
- 02
New $99.30 GP Incentive for Veterans' Mental Health Care
The Department of Veterans Affairs has introduced a $99.30 incentive for GPs to provide longer mental health consultations for veterans, effective from 1 July. This initiative aims to enhance proactive and coordinated care, allowing GPs to co-bill the incentive with existing MBS items. GPs can claim the incentive up to four times a year, with at least one month between claims. The move responds to recommendations from the Royal Commission into defence and veteran suicide and is part of a broader $58.3 million investment to improve veteran mental health care.
- 03
Open letter calls for accountability in NSW health funding
An open letter to the NSW health minister urges greater accountability regarding the recent $10.3 billion investment in the health system. The letter, authored by Associate Professor Alam Yoosuff, highlights the need for clear metrics on success, including reductions in surgical waitlists and improvements in rural healthcare access. Yoosuff criticises the cyclical nature of funding announcements without measurable outcomes, emphasising that transparency and equity for rural communities are essential. He calls for a shift in focus from funding amounts to the actual results achieved for patients.
- 04
Grattan Institute proposes blended funding model for GPs
The Grattan Institute has released a policy briefing suggesting a blended funding model for general practitioners (GPs) that balances fee-for-service and capitation funding. The report argues that too little block funding disincentivises longer consultations, while too much discourages patient volume. It outlines the necessary investment from the government to make this model economically viable for practices, emphasising the importance of flexible funding. The briefing aims to initiate detailed discussions on funding models that could better support general practice in Australia.
- 05
Discussion on Value of Professional Memberships for GPs
The article raises concerns about the effectiveness of professional memberships for general practitioners and practice managers in Australia. It questions whether these organisations adequately advocate for their members and address the operational challenges faced by practices. The author, Roxanne Suwas, invites feedback from GPs and practice managers on the value of their memberships and what improvements they would like to see. This discussion is timely as it reflects on the future of general practice and the need for strong representation.
- 06
Hantavirus outbreak linked to cruise ship declared over by WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius over. WHO's director general announced that the last person exposed has completed their quarantine, tested negative, and returned home. The outbreak resulted in 13 cases, including three deaths, with over 650 contacts monitored across 33 countries. Three British nationals were among those affected, and South African authorities confirmed two cases involved the Andes strain of the virus.
via BMJ
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.