The Northern Rivers Times
February 15, 2024!!!
44 SENIORS & HEALTH NEWS
$35 Million Allocation for GroundProfessor breaking Corneal Blindness Research John Deeble’s Enduring Legacy: 40 Years of Medicare As Australia commemorates the 40th anniversary of Medicare and initiates discussions for the new National Health Reform Agreements, it’s imperative for all levels of government to revisit the fundamental principles upon which Medicare was established: equity, efficiency, simplicity, and universality. This sentiment is articulated by AHHA Chief Executive Kylie Woolcock, who underscores the enduring importance of these principles in shaping Australia’s healthcare landscape. Professor John Deeble and Doctor Dick Scotton, the visionary architects behind Medicare, epitomized a commitment to providing Australians with a reliable and equitable healthcare system. Their dedication to universal health care, which spanned nearly five decades, laid the groundwork for Medicare’s inception. Professor Deeble, a life member of AHHA and the eponym of our esteemed Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research, staunchly advocated for universal health care, driven by a deepseated concern for those denied essential medical treatment due to financial constraints. However, despite Medicare’s foundational principles, the reality remains that many vulnerable Australians continue to face disparities in health outcomes, often due to inadequate access
to timely healthcare services. This stark reality undermines the core tenets of universality and equity upon which Medicare was built. Factors such as escalating technology costs, rising out-of-pocket expenses, prolonged waiting lists, and declining bulk-billing rates further erode the principle of efficiency within the healthcare system. Moreover, the increasingly complex and fragmented nature of the healthcare system has become a recognized challenge among both experts and the public. This complexity compromises the principle of simplicity, highlighting the urgent need for streamlined approaches to healthcare delivery. Medicare stands as a cherished cornerstone of Australian society, embodying our collective commitment to universal health care. As we celebrate this milestone, it’s imperative not only to contemplate reforms aimed at enhancing health outcomes but also to reaffirm our dedication to the kind of healthcare that aligns with Australian values. This anniversary serves as a poignant opportunity to honour the legacy of Medicare’s founders and reinvigorate our commitment to its founding principles. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to revisit the original ethos of Medicare and ensure its enduring relevance in shaping a healthier future for all Australians.
The Australian Government has allocated $35 million to the University of Sydney-led BIENCO consortium to accelerate the commercialization of their pioneering research aimed at combating corneal blindness, a condition affecting an estimated 23 million individuals worldwide. BIENCO, a groundbreaking collaboration comprising clinical, scientific, and governance experts from leading Australian institutions including the University of Wollongong, University of Melbourne, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), the Centre for Eye Research Australia, and the NSW Organ & Tissue Donation Service (OTDS), is spearheading efforts to develop bioengineered corneal replacement tissue utilizing cells and tissue donated by deceased individuals. Corneal disease ranks as the third most prevalent cause of blindness globally, with over 10 million
individuals awaiting corneal transplants. The program lead, Professor Gerard Sutton from the University of Sydney, underscores the profound impact of this condition on individuals’ lives and the significant burden it places on the healthcare system. Professor Gordon Wallace of the University of Wollongong, lauded for his contributions to health technologies, emphasizes the global significance of their work and the advancements achieved by the BIENCO team. The initiative is particularly critical for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with over 2,000 Australians, including many from these communities, requiring corneal tissue transplants annually. By leveraging cuttingedge bioengineering techniques, BIENCO aims to address the chronic shortage of corneas in the developing world, significantly reducing reliance on
donated tissue and enhancing the speed and quality of patient care. The QUT BIENCO node, led by Professor Damien Harkin, plays a pivotal role in developing methods for isolating, cultivating, and validating donor corneal cells, with the potential to treat multiple patients from a single donor cornea. Danielle Fisher, General Manager of the NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service, underscores the far-reaching impact of sight restoration on individuals, families, and communities, emphasizing the broader health and economic benefits of BIENCO’s bioengineered products. Professor Greg Qiao, leading the University of Melbourne node, emphasizes the goal of producing multiple grafts from a single donor’s tissue to alleviate the global shortage of donor corneas. Minister Mark Butler hails the grant as a significant step towards addressing the pressing
need for innovative treatments, reaffirming Australia’s leadership in medical research. Professor Mark Scott AO, Vice-Chancellor, and President of the University of Sydney, underscores the university’s commitment to translational research with global impact, positioning BIENCO as a key component of its strategy to address pressing global challenges. Professor Emma Johnston, Deputy ViceChancellor (Research) at the University of Sydney, expresses gratitude for the funding, highlighting BIENCO’s potential to transform the lives of thousands of Australians in need of corneal transplants each year. The $35 million grant represents a substantial investment in pioneering medical research, further solidifying Australia’s position as a leader in biomedical innovation and healthcare advancement.
Ensuring COVID-Safe Practices: A Vital Call to Action for Communities As COVID-19 continues to pose significant challenges across New South Wales (NSW), NSW Health emphasizes the critical importance of maintaining COVIDsafe behaviours to safeguard public health. Recent data from the NSW Health Respiratory Surveillance Report underscores the severity of the situation, indicating a higher level of COVID-19 transmission compared to last year’s winter peak. In the greater Sydney area, transmission rates are approaching levels not witnessed since December 2022. While emergency department presentations for COVID-19 remain elevated, a positive trend is observed in the declining proportion of cases requiring hospital admission. This suggests that while case numbers
have surged, the severity of the disease has not proportionally increased. Dr. Kerry Chant, Chief Health Officer, urges the community to remain vigilant in adhering to COVID-safe practices to protect themselves and their loved ones. The predominance of the Omicron variants EG.5 and JN.1 in driving community transmission underscores the need for continued caution. Although these variants do not appear to cause more severe
illness, the surge in case numbers heightens the risk, particularly for vulnerable individuals. Dr. Chant emphasizes the effectiveness of simple preventive measures in curbing transmission rates. Individuals experiencing cold or flu symptoms are urged to stay home and wear masks if venturing outside. Avoiding high-risk settings such as hospitals and aged care facilities is crucial until symptoms
subside. Furthermore, maintaining up-to-date COVID-19 vaccinations offers the best defence against severe illness or death. Dr. Chant advises individuals at higher risk of severe illness to consult with their healthcare providers and develop personalized plans. This may involve seeking PCR testing when symptomatic or considering antiviral medication if eligible. For comprehensive guidance on staying COVID-safe, the NSW Government provides valuable resources accessible through its official website. By adhering to these recommendations and remaining proactive in protecting public health, the NSW community can collectively mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and ensure the wellbeing of all residents.
