04 May 2026
Meningococcal Case Confirmed in Adelaide Infant
Health authorities in South Australia have confirmed a case of invasive meningococcal disease in a baby from metropolitan Adelaide. The infant is currently in hospital and is reported to be in a stable condition.
04 May 2026
$1.8B Boost Locks in Urgent Care Clinics Despite Ongoing Concerns
The Federal Government has confirmed urgent care clinics (UCCs) will stay as a long-term part of Australia’s health system, backing the program with an extra $1.8 billion in funding.
04 May 2026
Ahpra calls for experts to join drug and alcohol screening panel
Australia’s health regulator is inviting doctors to apply for a specialist expert panel focused on drug and alcohol screening.
04 May 2026
New cancer drug added to PBS, cutting cost for patients
A new treatment for advanced bowel cancer has been added to Australia’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), making it far more affordable for patients.
04 May 2026
Surgical workforce under pressure as regulator calls for major reform
Australia’s surgical system is facing growing strain from workforce shortages, workplace culture issues and rising patient costs, according to the country’s medical regulator.
04 May 2026
Aged care homes criticised over access to voluntary assisted dying
A new report has raised concerns that many aged care homes in Australia are still not providing clear information or access to voluntary assisted dying (VAD), despite it being legal in several states.
01 May 2026
PBS Website Updates and Changes – May 2026
The PBS website has been updated with new, amended and deleted items. A full list is available on the Summary of Changes page.
01 May 2026
PBS Update: Change to Glycopyrronium Cream Listing
From 1 June 2026, the PBS will update how one glycopyrronium cream item is described. This change only affects the wording, not the medicine itself.
01 May 2026
May 2026 PBAC meeting agenda now released
The agenda for the upcoming meeting of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee has now been published.
01 May 2026
Flu vaccine talks still matter after COVID, GPs say
GPs say simple, clear conversations with patients can still make a big difference to flu vaccine uptake, even after the COVID-19 pandemic changed attitudes to vaccination.