February 2014 News

As Medicare faces an uncertain future and many people turn to private health insurance to cover any forthcoming gaps in cover, Australia's public and private health systems have come under the spotlight.

Medicare

Regional areas in Queensland and Western Australia are expected to benefit from an influx of Australian-trained international medical graduates due to a new Commonwealth Medical Internship Scheme.

Federal Health Minister Peter Dutton announced the scheme on February 20, explaining how the federal government will provide $40 million over the next four years to encourage Australian-trained international graduates to complete their internships in private hospitals and in regional areas.

Australian workers have realised the benefits of exercise and healthy eating in the workplace and have started to demand business health plans, according to the Human Resources Director (HRD) publication.

In a February 5 article, HRD revealed the results of a survey conducted by the Australian Fitness and Health Expo last year. The study found 93 per cent of respondents agreed exercise could help them feel happier and more productive.

Approximately one third of Australians are lacking some knowledge about the use of private health insurance and more than a quarter are completely unaware of the Medicare rebate, according to a recent survey commissioned by comparison organisation Comparethemarket.