International Briefs

AustraliaSurge in International Medical WorkforceMore international medical practitioners are being registered to work safely in Australia in faster clearance times, according to data released by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).Action to streamline Ahpra's registration processes has seen a surge in new international medical practitioners registered to enter the Australian workforce, with 1205 more overseas qualified doctors registered in the 2023-2024 fiscal year than in the previous 12 months.The influx equates to a 27% annual increase in the number of international applicants approved to work in Australia, with a 26% decrease in the time taken to assess their applications.Further information is available at: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/News/2024-09-10-media-release-Intl-Medical-workforce.aspxIndiaMedical Exam Sparks Protests and Cheating AllegationsA crucial medical exam in India has sparked anger, protests, and allegations of cheating after thousands of candidates secured unusually high marks in this year's test.The National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (Under-graduate), or NEET-UG, is the gateway to studying medicine in the country, as its score is necessary for getting admission to a medical college. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), a government organization which holds some of India's biggest exams.Millions of students take the exam every year, but only a small percentage get good enough marks to secure a medical college placement. But this year the challenge is somewhat different: too many candidates have gotten top marks, pushing down the ranking system and making it hard for even high scorers to get admission.Since the results were released on June 4, 2024, the exam has come under scrutiny for reasons ranging from errors in the questions, and grace marks (compensatory marks) being given in a faulty manner to allegations of paper leaks and fraud. Students and parents have demanded a re-test, and dozens of petitions have been filed in courts.Further information is available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cv22wl82yldoNew ZealandHealth and Independence Report PublishedThe Ministry of Health (Manatū-Hauora) has published its 2023 Health and Independence Report.This annual report provides an overview of the state of public health and wellbeing in New Zealand for the 2023 calendar year. It collates information from a wide range of sources and subject matter experts and provides a consolidated view of the health system.There are four main sections in the report: People of Aotearoa New Zealand, Health measures, Causes of health loss, and Determinants of health and wellbeing.The 2023 report shows health equity continues to be a challenge. Priority populations including Māori, Pacific peoples, and the disabled population experience disproportionately higher rates of inequity, and poorer health outcomes compared to the general population.Most adults rate their health highly. However, Māori (80.5%) and Pacific (81.8%) were less likely to report being in good health (defined as good, very good or excellent health) than Asian (90.5%) and European/other (87.9%) adults.In addition, only 59.4% of disabled adults reported having good health compared to 90.2% of non-disabled adults.Changes to the demographic makeup of Aotearoa New Zealand are highlighted. The population is growing, becoming more ethnically diverse and ageing. Currently 16.5% of the population are aged 65 years and over, but this is projected to increase to 22.1% by 2043.The report highlights ongoing barriers to accessing primary health care, with 21.2% of adults reporting the time taken to get an appointment was too long. This increased from 11.6% in the previous three-year pooled period.Ministry spokesperson Peter Dolan says the Health and Independence Report supports evidence-based decision-making. He also indicated that the report serves as a resource for policy-makers, health professionals, and anyone with an interest in promoting good health and well-being in New Zealand.The full report is available at: https://www.health.govt.nz/publications/health-and-independence-report-2023