Who should be allowed to prescribe medications?

Who should be allowed to prescribe medications?

Author: ABC Australia July 11, 2026 Duration: 43:07
A review of the evidence for community pharmacist prescribing has reopened the debate about who should be able to prescribe, and a legislative change means some registered nurses with special training will soon be authorised to prescribe a number of medicines on the PBS too. Australia's Health 2026 report shows that dementia has overtaken coronary heart disease as the leading cause of death in Australia,  and rising obesity rates are a contributor. A new study assessed three parameters in the diets of Swedish participants who were at risk of dementia. Can the quality of your diet really make a difference? A follow up of patients admitted to intensive care units around Australia with sepsis and septic shock, looked at the longer term effects of this life threatening condition. References Community pharmacist prescribing outcomes in Australia and beyond Pharmacist prescribing: without evidence, it's the patient who pays RACGP-commissioned review confirms pharmacist prescribing improves access to care New law gives registered nurses PBS prescribing rights for the first time Sexual orientation and gender identity based disparities in colorectal, cervical, and breast cancer screening in the United States US study on cancer screening access and what it means for Australia USyd CEC response Australian cancer trials are getting worse at reporting sex differences - putting patients at risk Australia's health 2026 (AIHW) Diet Quality and Dementia Risk in Older Adults With Alzheimer Pathology Long-term survival in patients discharged alive from hospital following an intensive care unit admission with sepsis or septic shock in Australia and New Zealand: an observational cohort study

Tune in to Health Report for a clear-eyed look at the medical news that actually impacts your life. Hosted by Dr Norman Swan and Dr Preeya Alexander, this ABC podcast cuts through the noise of health headlines, offering grounded analysis and practical context. Each episode is a conversation that breaks down complex research, emerging health threats, and wellness trends, separating evidence from hype. You’ll hear them dissect new studies, interview experts, and answer the questions that arise from weekly health scares and breakthroughs. It’s for anyone who wants to move beyond soundbites and understand the science behind their wellbeing, from nutrition and exercise to major public health policies. This isn't just about information; it's about building a deeper, more useful understanding of how to navigate the ever-changing world of health. Join Norman and Preeya for thoughtful discussions that make sense of it all, ensuring you’re equipped with knowledge that makes a tangible difference.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Health Report
Podcast Episodes
Indigenous babies born with more gut bugs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:44
Despite facing an increased risk of chronic disease later in life, remote Indigenous babies start life with a more diverse gut microbiome. A new study in Nature also found the infants have bacteria that have completely d…
Taking women's pain seriously in healthcare [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:41
Historically women have had a hard time being heard in the doctor's office, with dismissiveness and delays in diagnosis all too common. The state government in Victoria has held an enquiry into women's pain to come up wi…
Why do people become dentists? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:04
The dentists' chair is not everyone's favourite place. Have you ever sat there wondering, why would anyone become a dentist? We take a trip to dental school to find out why so many people get into dentistry, and the skil…
Could you give up caffeine for six months? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:30
No coffee for six months, not even decaf. That's what participants of a trial looking into the effect on atrial fibrillation were asked to do. Also, could we be on the verge of changing guidelines for asthma care in chil…
Got gut issues? Don't assume it's gluten [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:06
There has been a rise in people that cut gluten out of their diet to address gut symptoms, despite not having a diagnosis of coeliac disease. New research is shedding light on what might actually be at play in non-coelia…
Pain isn't all in your head — but psychotherapy can help [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:47
If you live with chronic pain, getting referred to a psychologist for pain management can feel like another dismissal. What does a session with a pain psychologist look like, and how effective can it be if you don't have…
Racial inequity in our medical devices [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:24
For 50 years we've known pulse oximeters are less accurate on darker skin, and it could lead to misdiagnoses. Also, allergen starter packs are being advertised to parents. Are they safe? Guidelines have been released for…
Challenging weight bias in the doctor’s office [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:59
It's a tricky conversation to navigate, so researchers have tried to find out the best way to bring up weight in the doctor's office while dodging bias and stigma. Also, a look at the evidence surrounding transcranial ma…
Does human genome editing cross a line? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:32
Gene editing holds huge promise to cure disease and alleviate human suffering, but there are many ethical considerations when it comes to changing our DNA. We map the story of Chinese scientist He Jiankui who was jailed…