As you are aware, AMR poses a significant challenge to public health, exacerbated by the over prescription and misuse of antibiotics. One promising solution lies in the implementation of point-of-care diagnostic tools, such as the Febridx device, which can rapidly differentiate between bacterial and viral infections. Febridx is currently a TGA approved device available to the Australian market as of 2024 through the manufacturer (Lumos Diagnostics) partnership channels (Regional Health Care Group).
This capability could significantly reduce the inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics, thereby mitigating the acceleration of AMR.
Given the potential of such technology, I would like to understand:
Is the Australian Government currently supporting initiatives to incorporate point-of-care diagnostic devices like FebriDx into standard practices in general practitioner settings, emergency rooms, or pharmacies?
Are there any ongoing partnerships or funding opportunities available for Australian companies to collaborate on establishing protocols and processes for the widespread adoption of such devices?
What steps is the Government taking to integrate innovative diagnostic tools into national healthcare strategies to combat AMR?
The integration of devices like Febridx into everyday healthcare settings could provide a crucial mechanism for improving prescribing practices, particularly in primary care and emergency settings. In my personal opinion, the ability to access such a test at local pharmacies as example, not only saves a patient the cost of a GP visit (which has increased substantially over the last 5 years) or ER visit (placing further burdens on on the ER staff and other patients), but offers a cheaper alternative for the public to determine the root cause of their ailment and obtain a quicker diagnosis. Similar initiatives are currently available in the UK via the Pharmacy First Initiative: https://www.pharmacymagazine.co.uk/news/pharmacy-first-service-for-acute-cough-launches-in-liverpool
I would greatly appreciate any information or updates regarding the Government's plans in this area.
Regards,
Today I received a response for those interested:
Dear Mr Awesome,
Thank you for your enquiry regarding the use of point of care testing (POCT)technologies in primary care settings.
The Australian government policies and actions to combat AMR are guided byAustralia’s National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy – 2020 and beyond. This strategy is a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing the pressing issue of AMR. One of the key objectives, Objective Six, focuses on developing a national research agenda to advance the discovery of new therapies, diagnostics, and innovative approaches to prevent, detect, and contain AMR.
A recent government-funded analysis has identified diagnostics as a critical priority within the AMR R&D Agenda. This highlights the importance of developing and improving diagnostic tools to better manage and mitigate AMR. For more details, you can access the full analysis here:https://www.amr.gov.au/resources/scoping-antimicrobial-resistance-research-and-development-agenda-analysis-australian-research-and-development-landscape-future. (Worth Reading)
To date, there have been a number of differentCommonwealth funding arrangementsforthe use ofPOCTunder certain conditions, although this has not been limited to addressing antimicrobial resistance. These programs and initiatives contribute to national health programs or achieve specific priority health goals and include:
- First Nations Molecular Point of Care Testing Program
- National Hepatitis C Virus PoCT program
- Test Treat ANd GO (1 and 2) Research Trial (now TTANGO3)
- The Enhanced Syphilis Response (ESR)
- The Quality Assurance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Medical Services (QAAMS)
- Medical Research Future Fund. This includes parts of the Rapid Applied Research Translation initiative.
The more generalised integration of PoCT into primary care has been limited as there are several key issues inhibiting the adoption of PoCT in Australia. To address thisthe Department of Health and Aged Care formed a Point of Care Testing (PoCT) Working Group in 2024 to inform and guide consideration for the use of public funding of PoCT technologies in health care in Australia. It is expected that the findings from the working group will be used to inform future policy for integrating PoCT into primary care, and the relevant funding arrangements.
The government, through its funding agencies such as the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), provides substantial funding and support to research all aspects of AMR, including diagnostics. Programs like the NHMRC-Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance (JPIAMR) are specifically designed to take decisive action against AMR. For more detailed information on the programs and funding opportunities, please visit the websites of the NHMRChttps://www.nhmrc.gov.au/NHMRC and the MRFF (https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/mrff).
Kind regards,
Diagnostic Imaging and Pathology Branch | Medicare Benefits Division
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
