Medica - Australian Healthcare News and Information

Health chiefs warn Victoria faces a massive shortage of GPs and have called on the federal and state governments to help boost doctor numbers.
The Victorian AMA state says the chronic doctor shortage is already affecting communities' access to primary care, with the worst yet to come over the next five years.

A nationwide US study has found that patients who are in hospital and have a cardiac arrest at night or at the weekend have a significantly lower rate of survival than those who suffer a cardiac arrest during the day or on weekdays.

The federal Government says about 500 indigenous children will undergo surgery in April for ear, nose and throat problems detected during the intervention into remote NT communities.

A small U-S study has indicated some success in treating severe hormonally influenced facial acne in women, with a combination of the oral contraceptive Yasmin and a low dose of a particular diuretic. 15 February 2008

New research indicated that many teenagers may take a cue from their parents when it comes to alcohol habits. 15 February 2008

Researchers believe Australian mosquitoes are capable of carrying the Chikun-gunya virus, a disease that triggers fever, headache, vomiting and extreme fatigue. 15 February 2008

The NSW government has spent almost $1 million building six heavy duty ambulances for the state's growing number of seriously obese people. 15 February 2008

A new $10 million research facility which could provide a breakthrough in cancer treatment is set to be built at the Australian Synchrotron. 15 February 2008

A survey has indicated that less than a third of Australians at risk of developing bowel cancer have been tested for the disease in the past two years. 15 February 2008

New research findings indicate that men who routinely take aspirin, seem to be less likely to develop colorectal cancer. 15 February 2008

The TGA says three people have died and several others have suffered serious liver reactions after taking a popular tablet to treat fungal infections. 7 Feb 2008

The Federal Government is considering a radical plan for blanket treatment of sexually transmitted infections in remote Aboriginal communities, where the diseases are widespread. 7 Feb 2008

Researchers say women who take folic acid supplements for at least a year before becoming pregnant can greatly reduce their risk of delivering a baby prematurely. 7 Feb 2008