Anti-malarial medication support available for veterans
DVA is working with private health insurer Bupa to deliver a national health assessment program for veterans concerned about having taken the anti-malarial medications mefloquine and tafenoquine during service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The program enables veterans to receive a comprehensive health assessment free of charge from a Bupa-contracted GP. The GPs delivering the health assessment have been selected on the grounds of their unique experience in providing medical care to veterans.
Veterans will receive a health support recommendations report at the end of the assessment, which forms the basis for clinical and diagnostic testing and appropriate pathways for ongoing treatment by the veteran’s regular GP.
GPs are delivering health assessments in:
- Queensland (Brisbane, Ipswich and Townsville)
- Victoria (Dandenong and Mildura)
- Sydney
- ACT region
- Adelaide
- Fremantle
- Darwin.
Other locations will be added as the program expands. Telehealth appointments are also available.
DVA encourages any veterans, including current serving members of the ADF, who may be interested in receiving a health assessment to call DVA’s 1800 MEFLOQUINE hotline (1800 633 567) or Bupa directly on 1800 612 798 to schedule an appointment.
Further information about the program, including how to get support and how to lodge a claim, is available on the DVA website.
Support
- Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling, which offers free and confidential counselling to the veteran community on 1800 011 046
- Safe Zone, which is available for current and former ADF personnel on 1800 142 072. Calls to Safe Zone are confidential and not recorded.