Shining a light on trailblazers in Indigenous medicine
Tatum Bond is one of those "lucky people" who truly loves her job.
The Ngadjonji woman works in the emergency department at Cairns Base Hospital, and for the Royal Flying Doctors Service in Queensland.
"I love the pace," Dr Bond told AAP.
"One day I'm dealing with patients who have broken bones and cuts - things that aren't too serious - and then the next day being able to save someone's life or make their final days on Earth comfortable."
Growing up, Dr Bond was always intrigued by the human body, and knew she wanted to be a doctor from a young age.
"My mum tells this story of when I was about three years old ... I was supposed to be asleep in bed and instead I was watching a TV show through the wall about a baby that had been born with its organs on the outside," she said
"Apparently I poked my head through and said, 'I want to be a doctor when I grow up'."
Dr Bond was the first Indigenous emergency department specialist in Queensland, and is one of just 10 across the country.
Bringing her knowledge of culture and her passion for caring for her people to the job means Dr Bond can break down barriers for patients, sometimes in the most difficult moments of their lives, she said.
"The thing I can do when I go to community is I can talk to the spokesperson of the family, I can create that relationship between myself and whoever I'm treating," she said.
Dr Bond is one of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical professionals featured in the documentary series Our Medicine.
The series shines a spotlight on Indigenous frontline workers across hospitals, ambulance services, traditional healing and other medical services who are working to improve health outcomes in their communities.
Dr Bond said, while she was initially nervous to be part of the six-part series, she hopes she can show others they can also achieve their dreams.
"The main reason I said yes is because this whole thing is empowering younger generations to come and do these jobs," she said.
While the series follows a number of Indigenous medical professionals, producer and co-director of Our Medicine, Karla Hart said there are many more who are doing great things in health.
"We went in with the glass half full and focusing on Blak excellence and the brilliant work of a lot of people across the country," the Noongar woman said.
"There's so many more people that are out there doing incredible things, and I just feel immensely proud of that."
The first episode of Our Medicine premieres on NITV on Thursday night.
Tatum Bond is one of those "lucky people" who truly loves her job.
The Ngadjonji woman works in the emergency department at Cairns Base Hospital, and for the Royal Flying Doctors Service in Queensland.
"I love the pace," Dr Bond told AAP.
"One day I'm dealing with patients who have broken bones and cuts - things that aren't too serious - and then the next day being able to save someone's life or make their final days on Earth comfortable."
Growing up, Dr Bond was always intrigued by the human body, and knew she wanted to be a doctor from a young age.
"My mum tells this story of when I was about three years old ... I was supposed to be asleep in bed and instead I was watching a TV show through the wall about a baby that had been born with its organs on the outside," she said
"Apparently I poked my head through and said, 'I want to be a doctor when I grow up'."
Dr Bond was the first Indigenous emergency department specialist in Queensland, and is one of just 10 across the country.
Bringing her knowledge of culture and her passion for caring for her people to the job means Dr Bond can break down barriers for patients, sometimes in the most difficult moments of their lives, she said.
"The thing I can do when I go to community is I can talk to the spokesperson of the family, I can create that relationship between myself and whoever I'm treating," she said.
Dr Bond is one of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical professionals featured in the documentary series Our Medicine.
The series shines a spotlight on Indigenous frontline workers across hospitals, ambulance services, traditional healing and other medical services who are working to improve health outcomes in their communities.
Dr Bond said, while she was initially nervous to be part of the six-part series, she hopes she can show others they can also achieve their dreams.
"The main reason I said yes is because this whole thing is empowering younger generations to come and do these jobs," she said.
While the series follows a number of Indigenous medical professionals, producer and co-director of Our Medicine, Karla Hart said there are many more who are doing great things in health.
"We went in with the glass half full and focusing on Blak excellence and the brilliant work of a lot of people across the country," the Noongar woman said.
"There's so many more people that are out there doing incredible things, and I just feel immensely proud of that."
The first episode of Our Medicine premieres on NITV on Thursday night.
Tatum Bond is one of those "lucky people" who truly loves her job.
The Ngadjonji woman works in the emergency department at Cairns Base Hospital, and for the Royal Flying Doctors Service in Queensland.
"I love the pace," Dr Bond told AAP.
"One day I'm dealing with patients who have broken bones and cuts - things that aren't too serious - and then the next day being able to save someone's life or make their final days on Earth comfortable."
Growing up, Dr Bond was always intrigued by the human body, and knew she wanted to be a doctor from a young age.
"My mum tells this story of when I was about three years old ... I was supposed to be asleep in bed and instead I was watching a TV show through the wall about a baby that had been born with its organs on the outside," she said
"Apparently I poked my head through and said, 'I want to be a doctor when I grow up'."
Dr Bond was the first Indigenous emergency department specialist in Queensland, and is one of just 10 across the country.
Bringing her knowledge of culture and her passion for caring for her people to the job means Dr Bond can break down barriers for patients, sometimes in the most difficult moments of their lives, she said.
"The thing I can do when I go to community is I can talk to the spokesperson of the family, I can create that relationship between myself and whoever I'm treating," she said.
Dr Bond is one of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical professionals featured in the documentary series Our Medicine.
The series shines a spotlight on Indigenous frontline workers across hospitals, ambulance services, traditional healing and other medical services who are working to improve health outcomes in their communities.
Dr Bond said, while she was initially nervous to be part of the six-part series, she hopes she can show others they can also achieve their dreams.
"The main reason I said yes is because this whole thing is empowering younger generations to come and do these jobs," she said.
While the series follows a number of Indigenous medical professionals, producer and co-director of Our Medicine, Karla Hart said there are many more who are doing great things in health.
"We went in with the glass half full and focusing on Blak excellence and the brilliant work of a lot of people across the country," the Noongar woman said.
"There's so many more people that are out there doing incredible things, and I just feel immensely proud of that."
The first episode of Our Medicine premieres on NITV on Thursday night.
Tatum Bond is one of those "lucky people" who truly loves her job.
The Ngadjonji woman works in the emergency department at Cairns Base Hospital, and for the Royal Flying Doctors Service in Queensland.
"I love the pace," Dr Bond told AAP.
"One day I'm dealing with patients who have broken bones and cuts - things that aren't too serious - and then the next day being able to save someone's life or make their final days on Earth comfortable."
Growing up, Dr Bond was always intrigued by the human body, and knew she wanted to be a doctor from a young age.
"My mum tells this story of when I was about three years old ... I was supposed to be asleep in bed and instead I was watching a TV show through the wall about a baby that had been born with its organs on the outside," she said
"Apparently I poked my head through and said, 'I want to be a doctor when I grow up'."
Dr Bond was the first Indigenous emergency department specialist in Queensland, and is one of just 10 across the country.
Bringing her knowledge of culture and her passion for caring for her people to the job means Dr Bond can break down barriers for patients, sometimes in the most difficult moments of their lives, she said.
"The thing I can do when I go to community is I can talk to the spokesperson of the family, I can create that relationship between myself and whoever I'm treating," she said.
Dr Bond is one of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical professionals featured in the documentary series Our Medicine.
The series shines a spotlight on Indigenous frontline workers across hospitals, ambulance services, traditional healing and other medical services who are working to improve health outcomes in their communities.
Dr Bond said, while she was initially nervous to be part of the six-part series, she hopes she can show others they can also achieve their dreams.
"The main reason I said yes is because this whole thing is empowering younger generations to come and do these jobs," she said.
While the series follows a number of Indigenous medical professionals, producer and co-director of Our Medicine, Karla Hart said there are many more who are doing great things in health.
"We went in with the glass half full and focusing on Blak excellence and the brilliant work of a lot of people across the country," the Noongar woman said.
"There's so many more people that are out there doing incredible things, and I just feel immensely proud of that."
The first episode of Our Medicine premieres on NITV on Thursday night.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Probe into Indigenous man's death after airport custody
An Indigenous man has died in hospital after federal police stopped him from boarding a plane for allegedly being intoxicated, with a death-in-custody investigation underway. It's the second death in custody in a fortnight in the Northern Territory, following that of young Aboriginal man Kumanjayi White on May 27 after he was restrained by plain-clothes NT officers in an Alice Springs supermarket. On May 30, a 68-year-old was prevented from joining a flight out of Darwin after federal officers received reports of him being intoxicated, Northern Territory Police said in a statement. He was taken into protective custody and driven to the Palmerston Watchhouse where the custody sergeant and nurse deemed it necessary to take him to Royal Darwin Hospital for assessment. Upon arrival at the hospital federal officers noticed the man had lost consciousness, prompting medical staff to immediately commence CPR, with resuscitation efforts proving successful. He was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit in a stable condition for ongoing treatment for what was a suspected medical event, NT Police said. The man died in the ICU on Saturday and NT Police said his next of kin had been notified. "The cause of the man's death remains undetermined pending a post mortem (examination)," territory police said. "The incident is being investigated as a death in custody as the man was in the custody of the AFP at the time of him first losing consciousness." An AFP spokesperson said in a statement on Sunday individuals in protective custody are not under arrest and the man was "not restrained at any point by AFP officers". The AFP confirmed the man was detained under the public intoxication section of the NT Police Administration Act. The man was taken to hospital so he could be "monitored while sobering up" and he presented no medical concerns while being transported, the spokesperson said. But when he arrived at the hospital he "experienced a sudden and serious medical episode" and lost consciousness. The officers involved are being supported by AFP welfare officers. NT Police will prepare a report for the coroner. In the case of Mr White, rallies continue across the country to demand justice, calling for an independent inquiry into his death. 13YARN 13 92 76 Lifeline 13 11 14 An Indigenous man has died in hospital after federal police stopped him from boarding a plane for allegedly being intoxicated, with a death-in-custody investigation underway. It's the second death in custody in a fortnight in the Northern Territory, following that of young Aboriginal man Kumanjayi White on May 27 after he was restrained by plain-clothes NT officers in an Alice Springs supermarket. On May 30, a 68-year-old was prevented from joining a flight out of Darwin after federal officers received reports of him being intoxicated, Northern Territory Police said in a statement. He was taken into protective custody and driven to the Palmerston Watchhouse where the custody sergeant and nurse deemed it necessary to take him to Royal Darwin Hospital for assessment. Upon arrival at the hospital federal officers noticed the man had lost consciousness, prompting medical staff to immediately commence CPR, with resuscitation efforts proving successful. He was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit in a stable condition for ongoing treatment for what was a suspected medical event, NT Police said. The man died in the ICU on Saturday and NT Police said his next of kin had been notified. "The cause of the man's death remains undetermined pending a post mortem (examination)," territory police said. "The incident is being investigated as a death in custody as the man was in the custody of the AFP at the time of him first losing consciousness." An AFP spokesperson said in a statement on Sunday individuals in protective custody are not under arrest and the man was "not restrained at any point by AFP officers". The AFP confirmed the man was detained under the public intoxication section of the NT Police Administration Act. The man was taken to hospital so he could be "monitored while sobering up" and he presented no medical concerns while being transported, the spokesperson said. But when he arrived at the hospital he "experienced a sudden and serious medical episode" and lost consciousness. The officers involved are being supported by AFP welfare officers. NT Police will prepare a report for the coroner. In the case of Mr White, rallies continue across the country to demand justice, calling for an independent inquiry into his death. 13YARN 13 92 76 Lifeline 13 11 14 An Indigenous man has died in hospital after federal police stopped him from boarding a plane for allegedly being intoxicated, with a death-in-custody investigation underway. It's the second death in custody in a fortnight in the Northern Territory, following that of young Aboriginal man Kumanjayi White on May 27 after he was restrained by plain-clothes NT officers in an Alice Springs supermarket. On May 30, a 68-year-old was prevented from joining a flight out of Darwin after federal officers received reports of him being intoxicated, Northern Territory Police said in a statement. He was taken into protective custody and driven to the Palmerston Watchhouse where the custody sergeant and nurse deemed it necessary to take him to Royal Darwin Hospital for assessment. Upon arrival at the hospital federal officers noticed the man had lost consciousness, prompting medical staff to immediately commence CPR, with resuscitation efforts proving successful. He was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit in a stable condition for ongoing treatment for what was a suspected medical event, NT Police said. The man died in the ICU on Saturday and NT Police said his next of kin had been notified. "The cause of the man's death remains undetermined pending a post mortem (examination)," territory police said. "The incident is being investigated as a death in custody as the man was in the custody of the AFP at the time of him first losing consciousness." An AFP spokesperson said in a statement on Sunday individuals in protective custody are not under arrest and the man was "not restrained at any point by AFP officers". The AFP confirmed the man was detained under the public intoxication section of the NT Police Administration Act. The man was taken to hospital so he could be "monitored while sobering up" and he presented no medical concerns while being transported, the spokesperson said. But when he arrived at the hospital he "experienced a sudden and serious medical episode" and lost consciousness. The officers involved are being supported by AFP welfare officers. NT Police will prepare a report for the coroner. In the case of Mr White, rallies continue across the country to demand justice, calling for an independent inquiry into his death. 13YARN 13 92 76 Lifeline 13 11 14 An Indigenous man has died in hospital after federal police stopped him from boarding a plane for allegedly being intoxicated, with a death-in-custody investigation underway. It's the second death in custody in a fortnight in the Northern Territory, following that of young Aboriginal man Kumanjayi White on May 27 after he was restrained by plain-clothes NT officers in an Alice Springs supermarket. On May 30, a 68-year-old was prevented from joining a flight out of Darwin after federal officers received reports of him being intoxicated, Northern Territory Police said in a statement. He was taken into protective custody and driven to the Palmerston Watchhouse where the custody sergeant and nurse deemed it necessary to take him to Royal Darwin Hospital for assessment. Upon arrival at the hospital federal officers noticed the man had lost consciousness, prompting medical staff to immediately commence CPR, with resuscitation efforts proving successful. He was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit in a stable condition for ongoing treatment for what was a suspected medical event, NT Police said. The man died in the ICU on Saturday and NT Police said his next of kin had been notified. "The cause of the man's death remains undetermined pending a post mortem (examination)," territory police said. "The incident is being investigated as a death in custody as the man was in the custody of the AFP at the time of him first losing consciousness." An AFP spokesperson said in a statement on Sunday individuals in protective custody are not under arrest and the man was "not restrained at any point by AFP officers". The AFP confirmed the man was detained under the public intoxication section of the NT Police Administration Act. The man was taken to hospital so he could be "monitored while sobering up" and he presented no medical concerns while being transported, the spokesperson said. But when he arrived at the hospital he "experienced a sudden and serious medical episode" and lost consciousness. The officers involved are being supported by AFP welfare officers. NT Police will prepare a report for the coroner. In the case of Mr White, rallies continue across the country to demand justice, calling for an independent inquiry into his death. 13YARN 13 92 76 Lifeline 13 11 14
The Advertiser
12 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Cheaper complementary health treatments are on the way
When Peter Hill walked into his first pilates class, he had to warm-up for the warm-up. With a feeble lower back and taut hamstrings, the then 63-year-old was hoping the therapy could aid his pain. Six years later, he can dart and dash with little-to-no trouble. "Occasionally I might have a bit of a twinge but I can get out of bed in the morning and do normal stuff without having to warm up," Mr Hill says. "I jog or run once a week and I never have an issue with my hamstrings, and my back is significantly better." The additional good news is that pilates-goers like Mr Hill can soon expect their classes will be cheaper after federal health minister Mark Butler promised during the election campaign that private insurers would be obliged to cover some complementary treatments. A spokesperson for his office says the scheme's rollout is imminent. Complementary medicines are therapies that accompany pharmaceutical treatments with the aim of promoting holistic health. A study found that of the millions of Australians who use them, more than 50 per cent do so the same day they take their pharmaceutical medicine. The therapies include yoga, pilates, tai chi, shiatsu, naturopathy and the Alexander technique, as well as a range of western herbal medicines, and they will be covered by private insurers. A review recommended government subsidise all seven after finding they were moderately effective and safe. This represents a back-track on the 2019 exclusion of 16 natural therapies, which saw insurers lose rebates. "Coverage of natural therapies remains a decision for insurers," according to Mr Butler's office. "Insurers which choose to cover the therapies will work with the natural therapies sector on coverage and to re-establish provider credentialing. "The government will ensure timely re-inclusion of benefits for natural therapies, so this coverage is available as soon as possible." The opposition matched Labor's promise with spokeswoman Anne Ruston saying the coalition was "strongly committed to strengthening preventative health outcomes ... and these decisions are in line with that focus". Bupa is already on board, telling AAP it will welcome the subsidies. However, Private Healthcare Australia policy director Ben Harris says some firms may only take up the movement-based therapies such as yoga, tai chi and pilates. "The evidence is quite clear that in certain circumstances for certain people, these therapies can make a really big difference and the best thing with healthcare is you need as many options on the table as possible," he says. "It's getting better all the time ... but the broad research is still yet to be done for the community as a whole." Why though are complementary medicines important? Well, chronic disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, killing around 41 million people each year, while researchers say natural therapies alongside traditional medicines can help treat chronic symptoms and restore body function. Insurers in Canada, India and the UK are already rebating complementary medicines, while Australia's decision comes nine months after the National Disability Insurance Scheme removed subsidies for therapies like yoga, cuddle therapy and hypnotherapy. Then NDIS head Bill Shorten said these treatments should have never been on the list. But the federal review released in April, said yoga in particular had "some benefit" for people compared to individuals who don't participate. Still, some doctors are sceptical. The Australian Medical Association says people should remain cautious with some of the movement-based treatments. It also warns paients not to stop taking pharmaceutical medicines. "While evidence-based complementary medicine can play a role in patient care under the guidance of a doctor, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of most complementary medicines," the association says. "People need to be extremely careful if they are sourcing herbal supplements because some are potentially harmful and it's very difficult to be certain about what they contain. "Some have the potential to cause adverse reactions or interact with conventional medicines." Joanna Harnett, an Associate Professor specialising in complementary healthcare, says any medicine people have can cause a reaction but complementary medicines taken orally in conjunction with traditional treatments pose the biggest risk. Natural therapies like shiatsu and western herbal medicines are derived from tradition compared to more research-based pharmaceuticals. But National Integrative Medicine Institute director Dennis Chang says the seven subsidised therapies are scientifically safe. "It's not an umbrella claim but certainly there is some moderate level of evidence to support effectiveness and ... this can be potentially beneficial to patients," he tells AAP. "The review is not saying yoga can do everything. So, there is a lot more research needed in order to make that more general claim." Medical economist and academic Yuting Zhang expects insurers to include natural therapies in their premiums because of their low-cost compared to private hospital cover. However due to the rising cost of healthcare, she doubts more people will sign up for premiums. "It would probably be quite smart ... to include those kinds of things," Prof Zhang says. "It would improve the value for private health insurance but in the big scheme of things, I don't think it would have a huge impact." But 83-year-old Colin who attends pilates every week sees the positives of a few more dollars in his pocket. "I might actually go to two classes rather than one," he says. "I really enjoy doing that sort of stretching, that sort of exercise." Prof Harnett says Victoria's Better Health Channel and the US government's National Complementary and Integrative Health website are resources people can look to if they are unsure of using a complementary medicine. When Peter Hill walked into his first pilates class, he had to warm-up for the warm-up. With a feeble lower back and taut hamstrings, the then 63-year-old was hoping the therapy could aid his pain. Six years later, he can dart and dash with little-to-no trouble. "Occasionally I might have a bit of a twinge but I can get out of bed in the morning and do normal stuff without having to warm up," Mr Hill says. "I jog or run once a week and I never have an issue with my hamstrings, and my back is significantly better." The additional good news is that pilates-goers like Mr Hill can soon expect their classes will be cheaper after federal health minister Mark Butler promised during the election campaign that private insurers would be obliged to cover some complementary treatments. A spokesperson for his office says the scheme's rollout is imminent. Complementary medicines are therapies that accompany pharmaceutical treatments with the aim of promoting holistic health. A study found that of the millions of Australians who use them, more than 50 per cent do so the same day they take their pharmaceutical medicine. The therapies include yoga, pilates, tai chi, shiatsu, naturopathy and the Alexander technique, as well as a range of western herbal medicines, and they will be covered by private insurers. A review recommended government subsidise all seven after finding they were moderately effective and safe. This represents a back-track on the 2019 exclusion of 16 natural therapies, which saw insurers lose rebates. "Coverage of natural therapies remains a decision for insurers," according to Mr Butler's office. "Insurers which choose to cover the therapies will work with the natural therapies sector on coverage and to re-establish provider credentialing. "The government will ensure timely re-inclusion of benefits for natural therapies, so this coverage is available as soon as possible." The opposition matched Labor's promise with spokeswoman Anne Ruston saying the coalition was "strongly committed to strengthening preventative health outcomes ... and these decisions are in line with that focus". Bupa is already on board, telling AAP it will welcome the subsidies. However, Private Healthcare Australia policy director Ben Harris says some firms may only take up the movement-based therapies such as yoga, tai chi and pilates. "The evidence is quite clear that in certain circumstances for certain people, these therapies can make a really big difference and the best thing with healthcare is you need as many options on the table as possible," he says. "It's getting better all the time ... but the broad research is still yet to be done for the community as a whole." Why though are complementary medicines important? Well, chronic disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, killing around 41 million people each year, while researchers say natural therapies alongside traditional medicines can help treat chronic symptoms and restore body function. Insurers in Canada, India and the UK are already rebating complementary medicines, while Australia's decision comes nine months after the National Disability Insurance Scheme removed subsidies for therapies like yoga, cuddle therapy and hypnotherapy. Then NDIS head Bill Shorten said these treatments should have never been on the list. But the federal review released in April, said yoga in particular had "some benefit" for people compared to individuals who don't participate. Still, some doctors are sceptical. The Australian Medical Association says people should remain cautious with some of the movement-based treatments. It also warns paients not to stop taking pharmaceutical medicines. "While evidence-based complementary medicine can play a role in patient care under the guidance of a doctor, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of most complementary medicines," the association says. "People need to be extremely careful if they are sourcing herbal supplements because some are potentially harmful and it's very difficult to be certain about what they contain. "Some have the potential to cause adverse reactions or interact with conventional medicines." Joanna Harnett, an Associate Professor specialising in complementary healthcare, says any medicine people have can cause a reaction but complementary medicines taken orally in conjunction with traditional treatments pose the biggest risk. Natural therapies like shiatsu and western herbal medicines are derived from tradition compared to more research-based pharmaceuticals. But National Integrative Medicine Institute director Dennis Chang says the seven subsidised therapies are scientifically safe. "It's not an umbrella claim but certainly there is some moderate level of evidence to support effectiveness and ... this can be potentially beneficial to patients," he tells AAP. "The review is not saying yoga can do everything. So, there is a lot more research needed in order to make that more general claim." Medical economist and academic Yuting Zhang expects insurers to include natural therapies in their premiums because of their low-cost compared to private hospital cover. However due to the rising cost of healthcare, she doubts more people will sign up for premiums. "It would probably be quite smart ... to include those kinds of things," Prof Zhang says. "It would improve the value for private health insurance but in the big scheme of things, I don't think it would have a huge impact." But 83-year-old Colin who attends pilates every week sees the positives of a few more dollars in his pocket. "I might actually go to two classes rather than one," he says. "I really enjoy doing that sort of stretching, that sort of exercise." Prof Harnett says Victoria's Better Health Channel and the US government's National Complementary and Integrative Health website are resources people can look to if they are unsure of using a complementary medicine. When Peter Hill walked into his first pilates class, he had to warm-up for the warm-up. With a feeble lower back and taut hamstrings, the then 63-year-old was hoping the therapy could aid his pain. Six years later, he can dart and dash with little-to-no trouble. "Occasionally I might have a bit of a twinge but I can get out of bed in the morning and do normal stuff without having to warm up," Mr Hill says. "I jog or run once a week and I never have an issue with my hamstrings, and my back is significantly better." The additional good news is that pilates-goers like Mr Hill can soon expect their classes will be cheaper after federal health minister Mark Butler promised during the election campaign that private insurers would be obliged to cover some complementary treatments. A spokesperson for his office says the scheme's rollout is imminent. Complementary medicines are therapies that accompany pharmaceutical treatments with the aim of promoting holistic health. A study found that of the millions of Australians who use them, more than 50 per cent do so the same day they take their pharmaceutical medicine. The therapies include yoga, pilates, tai chi, shiatsu, naturopathy and the Alexander technique, as well as a range of western herbal medicines, and they will be covered by private insurers. A review recommended government subsidise all seven after finding they were moderately effective and safe. This represents a back-track on the 2019 exclusion of 16 natural therapies, which saw insurers lose rebates. "Coverage of natural therapies remains a decision for insurers," according to Mr Butler's office. "Insurers which choose to cover the therapies will work with the natural therapies sector on coverage and to re-establish provider credentialing. "The government will ensure timely re-inclusion of benefits for natural therapies, so this coverage is available as soon as possible." The opposition matched Labor's promise with spokeswoman Anne Ruston saying the coalition was "strongly committed to strengthening preventative health outcomes ... and these decisions are in line with that focus". Bupa is already on board, telling AAP it will welcome the subsidies. However, Private Healthcare Australia policy director Ben Harris says some firms may only take up the movement-based therapies such as yoga, tai chi and pilates. "The evidence is quite clear that in certain circumstances for certain people, these therapies can make a really big difference and the best thing with healthcare is you need as many options on the table as possible," he says. "It's getting better all the time ... but the broad research is still yet to be done for the community as a whole." Why though are complementary medicines important? Well, chronic disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, killing around 41 million people each year, while researchers say natural therapies alongside traditional medicines can help treat chronic symptoms and restore body function. Insurers in Canada, India and the UK are already rebating complementary medicines, while Australia's decision comes nine months after the National Disability Insurance Scheme removed subsidies for therapies like yoga, cuddle therapy and hypnotherapy. Then NDIS head Bill Shorten said these treatments should have never been on the list. But the federal review released in April, said yoga in particular had "some benefit" for people compared to individuals who don't participate. Still, some doctors are sceptical. The Australian Medical Association says people should remain cautious with some of the movement-based treatments. It also warns paients not to stop taking pharmaceutical medicines. "While evidence-based complementary medicine can play a role in patient care under the guidance of a doctor, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of most complementary medicines," the association says. "People need to be extremely careful if they are sourcing herbal supplements because some are potentially harmful and it's very difficult to be certain about what they contain. "Some have the potential to cause adverse reactions or interact with conventional medicines." Joanna Harnett, an Associate Professor specialising in complementary healthcare, says any medicine people have can cause a reaction but complementary medicines taken orally in conjunction with traditional treatments pose the biggest risk. Natural therapies like shiatsu and western herbal medicines are derived from tradition compared to more research-based pharmaceuticals. But National Integrative Medicine Institute director Dennis Chang says the seven subsidised therapies are scientifically safe. "It's not an umbrella claim but certainly there is some moderate level of evidence to support effectiveness and ... this can be potentially beneficial to patients," he tells AAP. "The review is not saying yoga can do everything. So, there is a lot more research needed in order to make that more general claim." Medical economist and academic Yuting Zhang expects insurers to include natural therapies in their premiums because of their low-cost compared to private hospital cover. However due to the rising cost of healthcare, she doubts more people will sign up for premiums. "It would probably be quite smart ... to include those kinds of things," Prof Zhang says. "It would improve the value for private health insurance but in the big scheme of things, I don't think it would have a huge impact." But 83-year-old Colin who attends pilates every week sees the positives of a few more dollars in his pocket. "I might actually go to two classes rather than one," he says. "I really enjoy doing that sort of stretching, that sort of exercise." Prof Harnett says Victoria's Better Health Channel and the US government's National Complementary and Integrative Health website are resources people can look to if they are unsure of using a complementary medicine. When Peter Hill walked into his first pilates class, he had to warm-up for the warm-up. With a feeble lower back and taut hamstrings, the then 63-year-old was hoping the therapy could aid his pain. Six years later, he can dart and dash with little-to-no trouble. "Occasionally I might have a bit of a twinge but I can get out of bed in the morning and do normal stuff without having to warm up," Mr Hill says. "I jog or run once a week and I never have an issue with my hamstrings, and my back is significantly better." The additional good news is that pilates-goers like Mr Hill can soon expect their classes will be cheaper after federal health minister Mark Butler promised during the election campaign that private insurers would be obliged to cover some complementary treatments. A spokesperson for his office says the scheme's rollout is imminent. Complementary medicines are therapies that accompany pharmaceutical treatments with the aim of promoting holistic health. A study found that of the millions of Australians who use them, more than 50 per cent do so the same day they take their pharmaceutical medicine. The therapies include yoga, pilates, tai chi, shiatsu, naturopathy and the Alexander technique, as well as a range of western herbal medicines, and they will be covered by private insurers. A review recommended government subsidise all seven after finding they were moderately effective and safe. This represents a back-track on the 2019 exclusion of 16 natural therapies, which saw insurers lose rebates. "Coverage of natural therapies remains a decision for insurers," according to Mr Butler's office. "Insurers which choose to cover the therapies will work with the natural therapies sector on coverage and to re-establish provider credentialing. "The government will ensure timely re-inclusion of benefits for natural therapies, so this coverage is available as soon as possible." The opposition matched Labor's promise with spokeswoman Anne Ruston saying the coalition was "strongly committed to strengthening preventative health outcomes ... and these decisions are in line with that focus". Bupa is already on board, telling AAP it will welcome the subsidies. However, Private Healthcare Australia policy director Ben Harris says some firms may only take up the movement-based therapies such as yoga, tai chi and pilates. "The evidence is quite clear that in certain circumstances for certain people, these therapies can make a really big difference and the best thing with healthcare is you need as many options on the table as possible," he says. "It's getting better all the time ... but the broad research is still yet to be done for the community as a whole." Why though are complementary medicines important? Well, chronic disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, killing around 41 million people each year, while researchers say natural therapies alongside traditional medicines can help treat chronic symptoms and restore body function. Insurers in Canada, India and the UK are already rebating complementary medicines, while Australia's decision comes nine months after the National Disability Insurance Scheme removed subsidies for therapies like yoga, cuddle therapy and hypnotherapy. Then NDIS head Bill Shorten said these treatments should have never been on the list. But the federal review released in April, said yoga in particular had "some benefit" for people compared to individuals who don't participate. Still, some doctors are sceptical. The Australian Medical Association says people should remain cautious with some of the movement-based treatments. It also warns paients not to stop taking pharmaceutical medicines. "While evidence-based complementary medicine can play a role in patient care under the guidance of a doctor, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of most complementary medicines," the association says. "People need to be extremely careful if they are sourcing herbal supplements because some are potentially harmful and it's very difficult to be certain about what they contain. "Some have the potential to cause adverse reactions or interact with conventional medicines." Joanna Harnett, an Associate Professor specialising in complementary healthcare, says any medicine people have can cause a reaction but complementary medicines taken orally in conjunction with traditional treatments pose the biggest risk. Natural therapies like shiatsu and western herbal medicines are derived from tradition compared to more research-based pharmaceuticals. But National Integrative Medicine Institute director Dennis Chang says the seven subsidised therapies are scientifically safe. "It's not an umbrella claim but certainly there is some moderate level of evidence to support effectiveness and ... this can be potentially beneficial to patients," he tells AAP. "The review is not saying yoga can do everything. So, there is a lot more research needed in order to make that more general claim." Medical economist and academic Yuting Zhang expects insurers to include natural therapies in their premiums because of their low-cost compared to private hospital cover. However due to the rising cost of healthcare, she doubts more people will sign up for premiums. "It would probably be quite smart ... to include those kinds of things," Prof Zhang says. "It would improve the value for private health insurance but in the big scheme of things, I don't think it would have a huge impact." But 83-year-old Colin who attends pilates every week sees the positives of a few more dollars in his pocket. "I might actually go to two classes rather than one," he says. "I really enjoy doing that sort of stretching, that sort of exercise." Prof Harnett says Victoria's Better Health Channel and the US government's National Complementary and Integrative Health website are resources people can look to if they are unsure of using a complementary medicine.
West Australian
17 hours ago
- West Australian
Cheaper complementary health treatments are on the way
When Peter Hill walked into his first pilates class, he had to warm-up for the warm-up. With a feeble lower back and taut hamstrings, the then 63-year-old was hoping the therapy could aid his pain. Six years later, he can dart and dash with little-to-no trouble. "Occasionally I might have a bit of a twinge but I can get out of bed in the morning and do normal stuff without having to warm up," Mr Hill says. "I jog or run once a week and I never have an issue with my hamstrings, and my back is significantly better." The additional good news is that pilates-goers like Mr Hill can soon expect their classes will be cheaper after federal health minister Mark Butler promised during the election campaign that private insurers would be obliged to cover some complementary treatments. A spokesperson for his office says the scheme's rollout is imminent. Complementary medicines are therapies that accompany pharmaceutical treatments with the aim of promoting holistic health. A study found that of the millions of Australians who use them, more than 50 per cent do so the same day they take their pharmaceutical medicine. The therapies include yoga, pilates, tai chi, shiatsu, naturopathy and the Alexander technique, as well as a range of western herbal medicines, and they will be covered by private insurers. A review recommended government subsidise all seven after finding they were moderately effective and safe. This represents a back-track on the 2019 exclusion of 16 natural therapies, which saw insurers lose rebates. "Coverage of natural therapies remains a decision for insurers," according to Mr Butler's office. "Insurers which choose to cover the therapies will work with the natural therapies sector on coverage and to re-establish provider credentialing. "The government will ensure timely re-inclusion of benefits for natural therapies, so this coverage is available as soon as possible." The opposition matched Labor's promise with spokeswoman Anne Ruston saying the coalition was "strongly committed to strengthening preventative health outcomes ... and these decisions are in line with that focus". Bupa is already on board, telling AAP it will welcome the subsidies. However, Private Healthcare Australia policy director Ben Harris says some firms may only take up the movement-based therapies such as yoga, tai chi and pilates. "The evidence is quite clear that in certain circumstances for certain people, these therapies can make a really big difference and the best thing with healthcare is you need as many options on the table as possible," he says. "It's getting better all the time ... but the broad research is still yet to be done for the community as a whole." Why though are complementary medicines important? Well, chronic disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, killing around 41 million people each year, while researchers say natural therapies alongside traditional medicines can help treat chronic symptoms and restore body function. Insurers in Canada, India and the UK are already rebating complementary medicines, while Australia's decision comes nine months after the National Disability Insurance Scheme removed subsidies for therapies like yoga, cuddle therapy and hypnotherapy. Then NDIS head Bill Shorten said these treatments should have never been on the list. But the federal review released in April, said yoga in particular had "some benefit" for people compared to individuals who don't participate. Still, some doctors are sceptical. The Australian Medical Association says people should remain cautious with some of the movement-based treatments. It also warns paients not to stop taking pharmaceutical medicines. "While evidence-based complementary medicine can play a role in patient care under the guidance of a doctor, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of most complementary medicines," the association says. "People need to be extremely careful if they are sourcing herbal supplements because some are potentially harmful and it's very difficult to be certain about what they contain. "Some have the potential to cause adverse reactions or interact with conventional medicines." Joanna Harnett, an Associate Professor specialising in complementary healthcare, says any medicine people have can cause a reaction but complementary medicines taken orally in conjunction with traditional treatments pose the biggest risk. Natural therapies like shiatsu and western herbal medicines are derived from tradition compared to more research-based pharmaceuticals. But National Integrative Medicine Institute director Dennis Chang says the seven subsidised therapies are scientifically safe. "It's not an umbrella claim but certainly there is some moderate level of evidence to support effectiveness and ... this can be potentially beneficial to patients," he tells AAP. "The review is not saying yoga can do everything. So, there is a lot more research needed in order to make that more general claim." Medical economist and academic Yuting Zhang expects insurers to include natural therapies in their premiums because of their low-cost compared to private hospital cover. However due to the rising cost of healthcare, she doubts more people will sign up for premiums. "It would probably be quite smart ... to include those kinds of things," Prof Zhang says. "It would improve the value for private health insurance but in the big scheme of things, I don't think it would have a huge impact." But 83-year-old Colin who attends pilates every week sees the positives of a few more dollars in his pocket. "I might actually go to two classes rather than one," he says. "I really enjoy doing that sort of stretching, that sort of exercise." Prof Harnett says Victoria's Better Health Channel and the US government's National Complementary and Integrative Health website are resources people can look to if they are unsure of using a complementary medicine.
