Friday, 24 July 2026
Medical students excluded from payment, TGA warns on ashwagandha liver risk, Pharmacy ownership rules debate continues
- 01
Medical students excluded from expanded paid placement scheme
The Australian Medical Students Association (AMSA) expressed disappointment after the federal government excluded medical students from the expanded Commonwealth prac payment scheme, which now includes ten other health degrees. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the $427.4 million investment aimed at supporting frontline health students, but AMSA president Seniru Mudannayake argued that this exclusion will worsen health disparities in Australia. He highlighted the financial struggles faced by medical students during extensive unpaid placements, which can lead to high attrition rates, particularly among First Nations students. Both AMSA and the Australian Medical Association have called for the government to reconsider its decision, citing the need for financial support to attract future doctors to underserved communities.
- 02
TGA issues second alert on ashwagandha and liver injury risk
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has released a second safety alert regarding potential liver injuries associated with ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, following eleven reported cases. The TGA noted four additional adverse event reports since its initial advisory in 2024, although some cases involved other ingredients that may have contributed to the liver injuries. The TGA advises individuals using ashwagandha to discontinue use and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as jaundice or dark urine. The TGA encourages health professionals to report any suspected adverse events related to herbal medicines to enhance safety monitoring.
- 03
Debate on Pharmacy Ownership Rules Impacts Rural Access to Medicines
The Grattan Institute's recent report recommends ending the Community Pharmacy Agreement and loosening pharmacy ownership rules, which could allow non-pharmacists to own pharmacies. This proposal has sparked significant debate, particularly regarding its potential impact on rural communities, where access to pharmacies is already limited. Research indicates that while pharmacy density is higher in rural areas compared to metropolitan regions, some remote areas, especially in the Northern Territory, lack community pharmacies entirely. The RACGP has called for exemptions to allow non-pharmacists to own pharmacies in thin markets, while the Remote and Isolated Pharmacist Association warns that deregulation could destabilise primary care access for vulnerable populations.
- 04
ACP endorses GLP-1s as first-line treatments for obesity
The American College of Physicians has designated semaglutide and tirzepatide as first-line medications for obesity, moving older treatments lower in the hierarchy. This endorsement could impact prescribing practices and patient management strategies in Australian general practice. The decision reflects a shift towards newer therapies in obesity management.
- 05
Frequent gout flares linked to increased cardiovascular risk
New research indicates that having more than three treated gout flares annually significantly raises long-term cardiovascular risk, including heart failure, stroke, and myocardial infarction. The multinational observational study analysed data from 44,705 adults and found a clear dose-response relationship between flare frequency and major adverse cardiovascular events. Patients with seven or more flares had a 45% greater risk of these events over seven years compared to those with three or fewer. The findings suggest that frequent gout flares may serve as a practical marker for identifying patients needing closer cardiovascular monitoring.
- 06
FDA selects Dexcom for digital health pilot program
The FDA has chosen Dexcom as the first participant in its new digital health pilot program, which exempts certain digital health devices from premarket authorization requirements while collecting real-world data through Medicare. Dexcom plans to implement an AI-enabled glucose health program aimed at screening for prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. The pilot will integrate data from its continuous glucose monitors and contextual health information to provide a comprehensive view of metabolic health. This initiative aligns with the FDA's broader push for digital health adoption and aims to improve care for chronic disease management.
via MedTech Dive
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.