Government announces plan for endometriosis

THE federal government has released Australia’s first National Action Plan for Endometriosis to improve the quality of life of patients through better treatment, diagnosis, and aiming to ultimately find a cure.

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson MP said the plan outlined a new approach to improving awareness and understanding of endometriosis, speeding up diagnosis, and developing better diagnostic and treatment options.

“The Turnbull Government will invest a further $1.2 million to help implement the recommendations of the Plan, taking our investment in the National Action Plan for Endometriosis to $4.7 million.”

Minister for Health Greg Hunt said endometriosis was a chronic menstrual health disorder that affected about 700,000 Australian women and girls.

“It often causes debilitating pain and organ damage, and can lead to mental health complications, social and economic stress and infertility.

“Many have suffered in silence for far too long, enduring diagnostic delays of between seven and 12 years on average.

“Patients have historically experienced poor clinical care, due to a low level of understanding of the condition, both amongst the public and the medical community.”

The National Endometriosis Steering Group will oversee the implementation of the National Action Plan over the next five years, supported by the initial $1 million investment.

Within this commitment, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health will receive $200,000 to roll out an online national awareness campaign during Women’s Health Week in September, to encourage women to visit their GP if they are experiencing symptoms of endometriosis.

Ms Henderson said the federal government earlier announced a $2.5 million grant program under the Medical Research Future Fund.

“I am delighted to announce that these funds will be invested in establishing the National Endometriosis Clinical and Scientific Trials Network.

“This means for the first time, patients will be able to take part in a coordinated national research platform for endometriosis, to develop better diagnostic options, better treatments, and work towards the development of a cure.”

The National Action Plan was developed through close consultations with patients, the Australian Coalition for Endometriosis, and Australia’s leading endometriosis clinicians and researchers.

To read the plan, head to health.gov.au.