The introduction today of Active Ingredient Prescribing will help clarify consumers’ understanding of the medicines they are prescribed, the Consumers Health Forum says. “This is a welcome advance for patients by focusing, where practical, on the name of the effective ingredient of a medication...

The scale and complexity of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout make it vital that Federal and state governments urgently step-up comprehensive communications to ensure the best possible outcome, the Consumers Health Forum says. CHF has today released its position statement on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout...

The Consumers Health Forum welcomes the AMA’s position statement on health literacy as important recognition of the need for strong public support for people to have access to valid health information. “CHF has long argued for more focus on health literacy to ensure people understand their own...

The lowest average rise in health insurance premiums in nearly 20 years is welcome although many Australians in the current economic climate will struggle to meet the increased cost, the Consumers Health Forum said today. “The 2.74 per cent average increase in premiums to take effect next April is...

The most exhaustive inquiry into the mechanics of Medicare in its 36 years makes a compelling case for extensive reforms that must be commenced now if Australians are to retain access to best available 21 st Century health care, the Consumers Health Forum said today. The Medicare Benefits Schedule...

If Australia is to meet standards of a civilised society, older people who need support should have universal access to care, the Consumers Health Forum said today. The latest report from the Grattan Institute on aged care joins a lengthening list of authoritative inquiries, highlighting the urgent...

A new report has called for a Consumer Health Leaders Academy to strengthen the role of consumers in health system decision-making. The Academy would equip consumer advocates and advisers within health consumer networks and who work with governments, government agencies and other organisations...

Australians’ experience with COVID-19 has stimulated more active consumer and community involvement in health care decision-making, the Consumer Health Forum says. Authors writing in CHF’s ejournal, Health Voices , published today report on a range of developments spurred by COVID where consumers...

The Consumers Health Forum supports the final report of the Productivity Commission on Mental Health and urges governments to implement the findings as a comprehensive package. “This report is a valuable first step in reshaping Australia’s mental health services to meet the overwhelming demand for...

The potential of a shift to cleaner and cheaper sources of renewable energy offers a watershed opportunity for Australia’s economy and health, the Consumers Health Forum said today. CHF has joined the Climate and Health Alliance in signing an open letter to the Prime Minister calling on him to...