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THE HON TONY ABBOTT MP

Former Minister for Health and Ageing

The Hon Tony Abbott MHR - Media Items

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Listed below are media items for The Hon Tony Abbott MP, Former Minister for Health and Ageing

March 2006

31 March 2006

New listings on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

The Australian Government has decided to add four new drugs to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for severe psoriasis, opiate dependence, a fatal form of brain tumour and established osteoporosis. Over the next four years, these drugs are expected to benefit approximately 35,000 patients at a cost to government of $180 million.

31 March 2006

Medicare rebates for NT Aboriginal Health Worker services

The Australian Government will introduce a new Medicare rebate in the Northern Territory for immunisation and wound-management services provided by registered Aboriginal Health Workers on behalf of a GP.

31 March 2006

Funding for professional pharmacy programs and services

The Australian Government has announced a package of measures to enhance professional practice and services provided through community pharmacy under the Fourth Pharmacy Agreement.

30 March 2006

Medical student places in Victoria

In 1996, there were 259 first year medical students enrolled in Victorian Universities. By 2004, there were 338 first year medical students enrolled in Victorian Universities.

28 March 2006

Funding benefits Monaro region medical students

The Australian Government will provide almost $5 million in funding over the next two years for a new Rural Clinical School to be run by the Australian National University.

28 March 2006

Launch of funding for Rural Clinical Schools

Speech by Minister for Health and Ageing Tony Abbott at the launch of funding for Rural Clinical Schools, Canberra, 28 March 2006.

24 March 2006

Indigenous health scholarships announced

The number of Indigenous Australians working in the health system will soon increase with an additional 74 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students being awarded Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarships to support health studies this year.

23 March 2006

National trauma centre for Northern Territory

The Australian Government has finalised arrangements for a commitment of $65.8 million over four years to establish a National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre at the Royal Darwin Hospital. This will provide a first class national health emergency response point to deal with regional disasters.

23 March 2006

Cardiovascular disease in the 21st century: Shaping the future

Opening address by the Minister for Health and Ageing, Tony Abbott, at the National Heart Foundation Conference and Scientific Meeting, Sydney, 23 March 2006.

21 March 2006

$10 million boost for health research

The Australian Government has announced a boost of $9.8 million for health research into chronic diseases, Indigenous health and the recovery process of older Australians who have been hospitalised. Four substantial projects have been funded, with grants ranging from $600,000 to $3.5 million awarded under the National Health and Medical Research Council's Health Services Research Program.

21 March 2006

Free flu and pneumococcal vaccine for older Australians

The Australian Government will continue to help protect Australians aged 65 years or older from the flu and pneumococcal disease by once again offering free vaccines this year, at a cost of more than $30 million.

17 March 2006

Consultation paper on wholesale medicines

The Australian Government is finalising arrangements to ensure that all Australians continue to have access to the full range of government-subsidised medicines through their community pharmacies, generally within 24 hours. The Government has released a consultation paper seeking comment on the proposed community service obligation arrangements for the wholesale distribution of medicines subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

15 March 2006

Pharmacy advisory committee members appointed

The Professional Programs and Services Advisory Committee has been established under the Fourth Community Pharmacy Agreement.

15 March 2006

Medicare rebates for cataract surgery

The restriction of opthalmology lens surgery to hospital in-patients is to be lifted.

09 March 2006

2005 Medicare data by electorate

Bulk billing rates increased in 96 per cent of Australia’s federal electorates from 2004 to 2005, according to figures issued on 9 March.

07 March 2006

National cancer agency advisory council announced

New members of the advisory council of Cancer Australia have been announced by the Minister for Health and Ageing.

07 March 2006

Grants to improve rural health access

The Australian Government today announced grants worth more than $10 million to improve private health services in rural areas across Australia.

02 March 2006

Pregnancy support counselling

The Australian Government has decided to introduce a new Medicare payment for pregnancy support counselling by general practitioners and, on referral, by other health professionals. This will provide additional support and information to women who are anxious about their pregnancy.