Australian Medical Association

Family violence is a national crisis that must be addressed.   Doctors have an incredibly vital role in responding to and preventing family and domestic violence, as GPs are often the first person a victim-survivor turns to for support and advice.   The AMA supports this joint statement released by AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency), Office of the Health Ombudsman, HPCA (Health Professional Councils Authority), and the Health Care Complaints Commission.

In a major show of support for AMA policy, Dr Sophie Scamps MP has urged Health Minister Mark Butler in parliament to establish a Private Health System Authority.   We reignited discussions about an independent regulator for the private health sector last Friday after it emerged that Healthscope had terminated its contracts with Bupa and funds represented by the Australian Health Service Alliance.   We are glad Dr Scamps agrees a Private Health System Authority is needed to ensure patients aren't "left in the lurch" and facing higher out-of-pocket costs.   An independent authority can drive long-term reform and ensure the sector is appropriately regulated. This would help patients get real value for money from their private health insurance, while recognising the rising cost of care. It is in everyone's best interest.   As Health Minister Mark Butler responded in Question Time on Tuesday, this is something the Private Health CEO Forum will look at. We look forward to working with the government through the forum to ensure the community has access to a strong, vibrant and affordable private health sector.

As another 'Movember' comes to a close this weekend, it is important to remember that men's health is a year-round priority.    This month has been a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health, cancer awareness and overall wellbeing for men everywhere.   We must continue:   💙 Breaking the stigma around mental health and encourage men to seek help when they need it   🎗️ Promoting the importance of regular health check-ups and early detection of cancer, including prostate cancer and testicular cancer   💪 Supporting and encouraging healthy lifestyles, physically and mentally.   Keep the spirit of Movember alive all year long. Check in on your friends, family, and yourself.   #Movember #MensHealth Dr. Zac Seidler Gautam Raju Michelle Terry Paul Villanti

🩺 It's time to apply for the 2025 AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship! The scholarship is provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students who demonstrate a commitment to their community and to medicine. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a medical degree at an Australian university and have completed at least their first year of medicine. If this is you, it's time to apply now! The value of the scholarship is $11,000 per annum, for each year of study for the remainder of your medical degree. The AMA is committed to supporting the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors. 🎓 Information on how to apply: https://lnkd.in/d4xzZUG8 Applications close 31 January, 2025. Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association

On the 30th anniversary of the Dirty Ashtray Awards, two Australian organisations received dishonourable mentions for attempting to influence public policy while hiding the full extent of their links with the tobacco industry. The Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) took out the Dirty Ashtray Award for refusing to disclose their industry funding to a Senate Inquiry consultation on new tobacco laws. And the Exploding Vape Award went to the Australian Taxpayers Alliance for their ‘Bust the Black Market’ campaign. Under the guise of a "grassroots" campaign, Bust the Black Market pushed an industry agenda and ignored public health recommendations. The awards were unveiled yesterday by Australian Medical Association (WA) President Dr Michael Page and Australian Council on Smoking and Health President Professor Andre Schultz. Media release: https://lnkd.in/dmZ5_y73 Laura Hunter Danielle McMullen Julian Rait

Action Needed to Stop Violence Against Healthcare Workers📢 The Australian Medical Association is calling on governments and hospitals to step up and take urgent action to address the growing threat of violence in our hospitals and clinics. In Victoria alone, more than 20,000 violent incidents were recorded in public health services last year. Closer to home, healthcare workers in WA were left deeply distressed after a recent incident at Joondalup Health Campus involving an act of self-harm following a tragedy. AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said healthcare workers deserve a safe workplace. “Doctors see patients and their families at some of the most stressful times of their lives, and feelings of frustration, confusion and anger are understandable, but when this frustration spills over into violence and aggression, it puts lives at risk. And it’s completely unacceptable.” Dr McMullen said. To tackle this crisis, the AMA has released a new position statement outlining what needs to change to protect healthcare workers and improve safety: https://lnkd.in/gecDGsh6

Today marks 25 years since the United Nations designated 25 November as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Today, and every day, we emphasise in the strongest possible terms: there is NO excuse for violence against women and girls.   During the 16 Days of Activism, UN Women will draw attention to the alarming escalation of violence against women. This campaign highlights the importance of addressing this worldwide crisis of violence against women and girls. More information: https://lnkd.in/dNmkEg7x   We are committed supporting global efforts to end violence against women and girls. We welcomed Australia's National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032, but we call for greater recognition of the key role played by doctors in responding to family violence. #NoExcuse #16days

The latest funding disputes between Healthscope, Bupa and the Australian Health Service Alliance (AHSA) show us exactly why we need a Private Health System Authority.   Unless all parties can come to an agreement before the contracts are terminated in February and March next year, some patients may face higher out-of-pocket costs for care in Healthscope hospitals.   These kinds of disputes cause mass confusion for patients, who understandably start questioning whether they need to change health funds or seek care at a different hospital.   As AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen told ABC Radio Melbourne, a Private Health System Authority can have a crucial role in helping solve disputes like those between Healthscope and Bupa and the AHSA.   An independent authority can drive long-term reform and ensure the sector is appropriately regulated, ensuring patients get real value for money from their private health insurance.   Read more: https://lnkd.in/g9GWz6rp   Join the AMA: https://lnkd.in/gzG9Rxkj

A Tasmanian inquiry has confirmed what we've been saying in our clear the hospital logjam campaign. Our hospitals need funding to increase capacity and improve performance, address exit block and expand measures to keep people out of hospital. hospitallogjam.com.au

Thank you to Skin Check Champions for visiting us yesterday to give AMA staff a free skin check as part of #NationalSkinCancerActionWeek.    Skin cancer is Australia's most common cancer, but it also has high success rates when detected and treated early.   https://lnkd.in/duuxqxq