Funding for endometriosis
The Federal Government will provide $58-million in the 2022-23 budget to improve diagnosis, care and treatment for women and girls with endometriosis.
It has provided the money under a National Action Plan, helping more women to find appropriate care and better manage the impact of the debilitating condition.
Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said the money would complement the Federal Government’s work to provide better treatment.
He said about 800,000 women lived with the condition.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows on the outside. It most commonly involves ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis.
“Around 800,000 women and girls are currently living with endo, including across Wannon and this funding will bring welcome relief and support through better diagnosis, treatment and care,” Mr Tehan said.
“Our government’s plan will improve the quality of life for women living with endometriosis, with record support, building on our National Action Plan for Endometriosis, so women of all ages can get diagnosed and be supported.”
Federal Government leaders were also keen to help couples planning a pregnancy by investing $81.2 million to create a new Medicare item for genetic testing.
The new Medicare item builds on advances to date through Mackenzie’s Mission and will support universal Medicare funded testing to check if couples are carriers of cystic fibrosis, CF, spinal muscular atrophy, SMA, and fragile X syndrome, FXS, with the item available in 2023.
CF, SMA and FXS are the most common inheritable genetic disorders resulting in substantially reduced life expectancy.
This testing is presently available as a privately funded service and the measure will provide a Medicare rebate for genetic testing for CF, SMA and FXS.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said increasing access to genetic testing would be a welcome relief for many couples planning a pregnancy.
“As a passionate advocate for genetic testing, I am proud that the Morrison Government is making this significant investment, which will not only help Australians and their families, but ensure they know and understand the risks of inheritable genetic disorders,” he said.
The government’s strategy has five priority areas: Maternal, sexual, and reproductive health, healthy ageing, chronic conditions and preventive health, mental health, and the health impacts of violence against women and girls – issues affecting the lives of women and girls.