Chronic conditions news

Read the latest news on chronic conditions.

News

Take part in the PaRIS Health Survey

We invite general practices to take part in the PaRIS (Patient-Reported Indicator Survey) Health Survey. This international research aims to improve the care of adults living with chronic conditions.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Getting a regular Kidney Health Check is important because often there are no warning signs for sick kidneys. That’s why kidney disease is sometimes called a ‘silent disease’.

Top 3 questions – Men's Health Week with Dr Lucas de Toca (Part 2)

In celebration of Men’s Health Week, hear from Dr Lucas de Toca on how family history and lifestyle impact our health and learn tips to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Top 3 questions – Men's Health Week with Dr Lucas de Toca (Part 1)

Hear from Dr Lucas de Toca talk about whether men are more susceptible to certain illnesses or conditions compared to women, and when men should start regular health checks and screening tests.

Top 3 questions – Chronic Conditions

Dr Lucas De Toca, COVID-19 Primary Care Response First Assistant Secretary, answers the Top Three questions across our channels.

715 health check

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages can get their free 715 health check at Aboriginal Medical Services and bulk-billing clinics. This health check helps identify whether someone is at risk of illnesses or chronic conditions.

Top 3 questions – Healthy lifestyle choices

Professor Michael Kidd, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, discusses making healthy choices, and the small steps we can take every day to enjoy a healthy life.

The stroke journey

'Having a stroke is a scary experience. It can change your life in an instant. But our stories show that good outcomes are possible, even when everything feels overwhelming,' (Joe, survivor of stroke, and proud Kooma man).

New PBS listings for multiple sclerosis, asthma and diabetes medicines

The Australian Government has listed a range of medicines for treating multiple sclerosis, asthma and diabetes on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The listings will provide valuable support for more than 51,800 Australians living with these conditions, saving them up to $29,000 a year.

New listing provides relief for Australians with severe eczema

The Government has added a life-changing new eczema medicine to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The $270 million in funding to list the medicine will help up to 3,600 Australians over 12 years of age living with severe eczema.

Review of Continuous Glucose Monitoring products

The Australian Government will be conducting a review of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) products under the CGM Initiative.

Accelerating diabetes and cardiovascular disease research

The Government will invest $47 million over 4 years into a program to accelerate cutting-edge research into two of the most prominent health conditions that affect millions of Australians – diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

$12 million for research to improve treatment of cardiovascular disease and stroke patients

The Australian Government, together with the National Heart Foundation, has announced a further $12 million for research to improve treatment of people, including children, suffering cardiovascular disease and stroke.

$29 million for research to tackle heart disease and stroke

The Australian Government is investing in vital research initiatives to tackle the nation’s two biggest killers — heart disease and stroke. This funding is the first round of disbursements from the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) Cardiovascular Health Mission.

Endometriosis research focused on prevention and ultimately finding a cure

More than one year on from the first ever National Action Plan for Endometriosis, the Australian Government is continuing to support women and girls with endometriosis.

New online directory to help people living with chronic pain

A new online directory will provide people living with chronic pain—and their health practitioners—with a comprehensive list of available services to help manage their conditions.

New research grants to find causes of chronic fatigue syndrome

The Australian Government is calling for proposals for $3 million in research to better understand the causes and improve diagnosis of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

ABS Causes of Death 2018 report released

The ABS’ Causes of Death, Australia, 2018 report notes suicide dropped one place to 14th leading cause of death overall. Rates of mortality due to heart disease and cerebrovascular disease also decreased, however these remain among the leading causes of death in Australia.​​​​​​​

New PBS listings for opiate dependency and chronic breathlessness

The Australian Government will invest over $40 million to provide affordable access to 2 new medicine listings through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This will help Australians with opiate addiction and those suffering breathlessness throughout their final stages of life.

Taskforce to Tackle Silicosis and Other Dust Diseases

The Australian Government Department of Health has established a National Dust Disease Taskforce to develop a national approach to the prevention, early identification, control and management of dust diseases in Australia.

New PBS listing for infants with Cystic Fibrosis

The Australian Government is expanding access to a critically important medicine on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) that will help infants living with Cystic Fibrosis and save their families up to $300,000 per year.

The Australian Government is committed to tackling diabetes

To mark National Diabetes Week, the Australian Government is investing $2.8 million to help prevent and treat diabetes-related conditions.

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and from 1 November, Keytruda® will be listed on the PBS for first-line treatment of people with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

Launch of the National Action Plan for Endometriosis

The Australian Government will invest $4.7million in Australia’s first National Action Plan for Endometriosis

Cheaper breast cancer drug

More than 3000 women will benefit from a new breast cancer medicine that has been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
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