Fed: Howard announces package for osteoporosis sufferers

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-2006
Fed: Howard announces package for osteoporosis sufferers

The Prime Minister's used a visit to a Sydney nursing home .. to formally announce
a 225 million dollar package to help elderly people with brittle bone disease.

The government's extending the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to include the drug ALENDRONATE
.. from April next year.

Osteoporosis sufferers aged 70 and over will also be able to claim bone density tests
on Medicare.

JOHN HOWARD says the two measures will put Australia at the forefront of fighting the
incapacitating disease.







Nearly two million Australians suffer from osteoporosis, which causes fragile and brittle
bones and a higher risk of fractures.

AAP pmu/kaj/was/bm/de/rt

KEYWORD: OSTEOPOROSIS (SYDNEY)

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