Saturday, 15 August 2026
Mounjaro PBS listing negotiations, Rural generalism policy focus, Ongoing GP shortages in regions
- 01
Eli Lilly seeks PBS listing for Mounjaro amid pricing negotiations
Eli Lilly confirmed its ongoing interest in listing the weight loss drug tirzepatide, marketed as Mounjaro, on Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) at a fair price. Despite previous negotiations breaking down over pricing concerns, CEO David Ricks expressed a desire to reach an agreement with the Australian Government, noting the drug's inclusion on the WHO essential medicine list. The discussions centre on the valuation of the medication and its global pricing implications. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler acknowledged that agreeing on a price remains the primary obstacle to subsidisation.
via RACGP newsGP
- 02
Rural Health Commissioner prioritises generalism and equity in policy
Australia’s Rural Health Commissioner, Professor Jenny May, has focused on advancing rural generalism and equity in healthcare since her appointment in September 2024. She emphasised the importance of embedding rural generalism into health policies and highlighted the recent accreditation of Rural Generalist training programs by the Medical Board of Australia. This accreditation establishes 'Rural Generalist' as a protected title, with enforcement provisions set for 2027. Professor May also noted ongoing collaborations with the RACGP and ACRRM to address workforce challenges and improve healthcare access in rural and remote communities.
via RACGP newsGP
- 03
Inquiry reveals ongoing GP shortages in regional Australia
An inquiry has found that government incentives are failing to address GP shortages in regional areas, with local councils increasingly filling the gap. During a parliamentary hearing, representatives from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DoHDA) faced questions about disparities in funding distribution among local councils. NSW Nationals MP Alison Penfold expressed concerns over the lack of urgent care clinics in areas like Taree, despite significant need. DoHDA officials acknowledged that funding decisions for urgent care clinics are limited and independent of their department, leading to ongoing challenges in ensuring equitable healthcare access.
- 04
Bulk billing reaches 90% in disadvantaged rural communities
Medicare data reveals that GPs in Australia's most disadvantaged areas are bulk billing 90% of consultations. The overall national bulk billing rate for the June quarter was 84.1%, but patients in the most disadvantaged locations experienced a bulk billing rate of 92.8%. In remote areas, the rate reached 93.7%, while those under 16 and over 64 were bulk billed 91.9% and 90% of the time, respectively. These figures demonstrate the effectiveness of Medicare in supporting vulnerable populations, particularly in rural settings.
- 05
Inquiry warns Medicare reforms risk failure without equitable funding
An inquiry into rural Medicare access has revealed that without equitable funding for rural and regional health, Medicare reforms could become ineffective. Experts, including National Rural Health Alliance director Margaret Deerain, stated that the current fee-for-service model is 'broken' and inadequate for rural practices. The inquiry highlighted that rural Australians receive less healthcare funding and access, leading to poorer health outcomes. Rural Doctors Association CEO Peta Rutherford emphasised the need for policymakers to engage with frontline practitioners to ensure reforms meet the realities of rural healthcare.
- 06
Medical Deans call for self-sufficient Australian medical workforce
Medical Deans Australia and New Zealand (MDANZ) has urged for a transparent national medical workforce plan and increased funding for medical schools, arguing that Australia’s reliance on international medical graduates (IMGs) risks a 'brain drain' from countries that can least afford it. MDANZ chief executive Anita Hobson-Powell stated that while IMGs are valuable, they should not be the primary solution for workforce needs. Current data indicates that IMGs account for a significant portion of GP full-time equivalent hours, but this may not reflect the actual contributions of domestic doctors, who often work in diverse roles. The organisation advocates for selecting medical students from underserved areas and increasing vocational training opportunities to ensure a sustainable workforce.
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.