AMA welcomes investment in general practice training places

AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said this week that the AMA welcomed the Government’s significant investment in medical training with the announcement of big increases in the number of medical training places across the board.

The Government announced there will be 1,200 general practice training places by 2014, 975 Pre-vocational General Practice Placements Program (PGPPP) places by 2013, and 900 specialist training positions in private, community and rural settings by 2014.

Dr Pesce said the Government had recognised the important role of general practice with a sharp increase in GP training positions and more than doubling the number of PGPPP places.

“This is a very strong investment in medical training and an acknowledgement by the Government of the vital role that GPs will play in meeting the future health needs of the Australian population,” Dr Pesce said.

“People value their GP and today’s announcement means that the community will get better access to GP services with a bigger GP workforce in the years to come.

“Today’s announcement means that Australia will have more doctors in the system to care for an ageing population with more chronic and complex health problems.”

The increased number of training places is consistent with AMA policy provided to the Government in the AMA’s Priority Investment Plan for Australia’s Health System.  [Read more]

H1N1 influenza update

The Government will launch the next phase of the swine flu advertising campaign this weekend. The campaign will encourage everyone aged over six months to have the pandemic H1N1 vaccine prior to the 2010 flu season, which is expected to start earlier than in previous years. The campaign will aim to dispel the misconception that swine flu is not a serious health concern. The advertising will run in radio and print media for 11 weeks until 30 May 2010.

The swine flu campaign is running alongside this year's seasonal influenza vaccination program. Eligibility for free influenza vaccine under the national immunisation program has been extended. All immunisation providers will shortly receive a mail out with more detailed information about influenza vaccination and the new eligibility arrangements.

Draft clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of depression

beyondblue has released two sets of draft guidelines for the treatment of depression and related disorders for public consultation. The draft guideline documents draw on the latest research evidence about the best way to identify, treat and manage depression, anxiety and related disorders.  Find out more