Friday, 14 August 2026
GBMA calls for medicine supply reforms, Medical students excluded from payment, New PSA thresholds for prostate cancer
- 01
GBMA calls for urgent reforms to prevent medicine shortages
The Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association (GBMA) released a white paper advocating for urgent reforms to enhance Australia's medicine supply resilience. The report emphasises the need for Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) pricing reform, improved early detection of shortages, and streamlined regulations. It argues that Australia must shift from a reactive approach to a proactive strategy to prevent shortages before they impact patients. The GBMA highlights the country's heavy reliance on imported medicines as a significant vulnerability and proposes specific reforms to strengthen the system.
- 02
Medical students excluded from new Commonwealth Prac Payment scheme
Medical students face financial challenges as they rely on jobs and Centrelink payments while undertaking unpaid clinical placements, according to data from Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand. The Australian Government's recent expansion of the Commonwealth Prac Payment to allied health disciplines from July 2027 does not include medical students, despite their extensive unpaid placement hours. Medical Deans have called for the government to extend eligibility for this payment to medical students, citing concerns over workforce sustainability and equity. Critics argue that excluding medical students from financial support undermines efforts to build a diverse medical workforce.
via RACGP newsGP
- 03
Australia updates prostate cancer detection guidelines with new PSA thresholds
Australia has overhauled its prostate cancer detection guidelines for the first time in a decade, introducing significant changes to the diagnostic pathway. The new NHMRC-approved guidelines emphasise individual risk, shared decision-making, and the use of multiparametric MRI before biopsy. Notably, the guidelines establish separate PSA thresholds based on age and risk, recommending two-yearly testing for men aged 50-69 at usual risk and lowering thresholds for higher-risk groups. The guidelines aim to improve early detection of clinically significant prostate cancer while minimising unnecessary procedures and treatment.
- 04
Automated SMS reminders for childhood vaccinations to launch in 2027
An automated SMS reminder system for childhood vaccinations will launch nationwide in mid-2027, as confirmed by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. The system aims to assist parents and carers of children under five in keeping vaccinations on schedule under the National Immunisation Program. This initiative follows a successful trial that showed SMS reminders sent from general practices improved on-time vaccination rates by an estimated 6%. The new reminders will be sent from the Australian Immunisation Register and will complement existing hardcopy reminder letters.
via RACGP newsGP
- 05
Medicare introduces home sleep studies for children
New Medicare items allow eligible children and teenagers to undergo unattended sleep studies, enhancing access to assessments for sleep-disordered breathing. GPs can refer patients for Medicare-funded assessments that may lead to home-based sleep studies, effective from 1 July 2026. The items cover Level 2 polysomnography for medically uncomplicated cases, potentially saving families from overnight laboratory stays. However, GPs must refer patients to qualified sleep medicine practitioners, who will determine the appropriateness of the study.
- 06
Kidney Health Australia launches humorous campaign for kidney checks
A new campaign, ‘Start Taking the Piss’, aims to encourage at-risk individuals to check their kidney health with their GP. Launched in Melbourne, the initiative highlights that 77% of people with kidney disease risk factors have not undergone a urine test in the past 24 months. The campaign features an animated character and promotes on-the-spot urine risk assessments in the CBD, supported by Flinders University. Kidney Health Australia Chief Executive Chris Forbes emphasised the need to address the stigma surrounding kidney disease, while Dr Peter Markey noted the importance of regular testing for those at risk.
via RACGP newsGP
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.