Saturday, 8 August 2026
Homeless healthcare support push, AHPRA registration fee increase, Non-GP specialist shortages urgent action
- 01
RACGP urges government to enhance support for homeless healthcare
The RACGP has called for improved primary care funding and policy to address the healthcare needs of Australians experiencing homelessness. With over 122,000 people estimated to be homeless on Census night 2021, the college emphasised the significant health inequities faced by this population. The RACGP advocates for enhanced Medicare Benefits Schedule funding, dedicated items for homelessness, and support for multidisciplinary care teams. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler acknowledged the need for increased government action during a recent event, stating that more must be done to provide essential services to those sleeping rough.
via RACGP newsGP
- 02
AHPRA increases registration fee by 7.3% amid privacy breach
AHPRA has raised the registration fee for Australian doctors by 7.3%, amounting to an additional $75, bringing the total to $1102 for the upcoming year. This increase follows a significant privacy breach affecting 136 clinicians, raising concerns about regulatory practices. The fee hike surpasses the Consumer Price Index, which was 4.2% across all services. Additionally, late renewals will incur a new $50 fee, a 60% increase from the previous year.
- 03
RDAA calls for urgent action on non-GP specialist shortages
The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) has urged immediate action to address chronic shortages of non-GP specialists in rural and remote communities, which are causing delays in patient care and increasing demand on rural hospitals. The RDAA's submission to the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Disability highlights the need for structural reforms, including expanded training positions and better employment models to retain specialists in these areas. RDAA president Professor Sarah Chalmers emphasised that training specialists in rural settings increases the likelihood they will remain in those communities. The RDAA also called for reforms to the Commonwealth-funded Specialist Training Program to ensure it better supports the development of a regional and remote specialist workforce.
- 04
Australia to Personalise Breast Cancer Screening Over Next Decade
Australia will shift its breast cancer screening approach from age-based to risk-based strategies, according to a newly released review. This change aims to tailor screening based on individual risk factors such as breast density, family history, and genetic tests. The transition will occur over the next ten years, with a focus on improving early detection and outcomes for women at increased risk. Current guidelines recommend annual screenings for women with significant family histories, but broader risk-stratified screening practices are still in development.
- 05
FDA advisory panel to review Galleri multicancer screening test
An FDA advisory committee will meet in September to evaluate Grail's premarket approval application for the Galleri multicancer early detection blood test. This test, which identifies DNA from over 50 cancer types in the bloodstream, faced challenges after a clinical trial missed its primary endpoint earlier this year. Despite this setback, Grail reported a positive trend in detecting fewer late-stage cancers in a subset of cases. If approved, Galleri would be the first multicancer early detection test to receive FDA approval.
via MedTech Dive
- 06
Medtronic receives CE mark for ventricular tachycardia ablation system
Medtronic has secured an expanded CE mark for its Affera mapping and ablation system and Sphere-9 catheter to treat ventricular tachycardia, a potentially life-threatening condition. The Sphere-9 catheter recently received breakthrough device designation from the FDA, highlighting the need for new treatment approaches. The Sphere VT pivotal trial is currently enrolling patients to support future U.S. approval. This advancement aims to address the significant unmet need in treating ventricular arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
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.