‘Unproductive burdens’ still have a right to live
EUTHANASIA is an important issue of justice that must not be trivialised.
Health
Budget to rein in vitamin tests
PATHOLOGY spending will be slashed by up to $500 million in the May budget as the government moves to cut Medicare rebates.
Japanese food imports blocked
AUSTRALIA has halted food imports from four Japanese prefectures because of concerns over radiation contamination from the Fukushima nuclear plant.
Revolt at research ‘fund cut’
THE threat of a $400 million cut to the National Health and Medical Research Council has sparked a revolt among researchers.
Urban residents live longer
PEOPLE living outside major cities are more likely to die from heart disease, stroke, hypertension and heart failure.
A million put off by expense of GP visit
OVER a million Australians delay seeing a GP because they can’t afford it and a similar number do not get their prescriptions filled.
DFAT gives Aussies potassium iodide
AUSTRALIAN officials in Japan have distributed protective medication to hundreds of Australians in areas of Japan affected by radiation.
Australia’s longevity gender gap narrows
THE life expectancy gap between Australian men and women is narrowing, but don’t expect it to close entirely.
AMA to oppose key health reform plan
THE peak doctor lobby has voted to oppose the establishment of Medicare Locals, touted by Labor as an improvement to primary health care services.
Childcare promise ‘impossible’
MORE than 30,000 childcare workers will have to upgrade their qualifications if Labor is to deliver its pledge to train them all by 2014.
Cure Medicare mess or waste will get worse
WE should subsidise visits to the doctor less so there is more money to spend on hospitals.
Childcare hygiene, safety flaws
ALMOST one-third of the 1102 childcare centres audited last year failed to implement proper food, safety and hygiene practices.
Probe into medical watchdog
AUSTRALIA’S beleaguered Medicare watchdog, the Professional Standards Review, will itself be reviewed.
Rebate freeze hits cancer care
Cash-strapped clinics are making do with outdated technology, say radiologists
Depression the dark side of mining boom
Many workers in remote regions such as the Pilbara struggle to cope with the extreme lifestyle
Budget cuts set to limit new medicines
DOCTORS say restrictions on new medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme will make it harder for patients to get the drugs they need.
Payment gap sapping will to work
NEW social security rates reveal that the “payment gap” between disability pensions and the dole has risen dramatically to $127.20 a week.
Shoppers avoid food warning lights
TRAFFIC-LIGHT labels meant to alert shoppers to foods packed in too much fat, sugar or salt may make little difference to healthier eating.
Hidden price of urban loneliness
LONELINESS is one of the fastest-growing contemporary issues, but health and housing policies to counter the problem are virtually non-existent.
Hard task funding plan for dental care
THE Australian Greens’ demands for a dental care plan covering low-income earners could cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/health/page/198