Bryan Betty

Two drugs for type 2 diabetes are being restricted to only those already prescribed them, due to a global shortage.  Audio

Doctors are raising concern about the rise of self ordered medical tests, as a new Australian study finds they have limited usefulness for consumers. If you are willing to pay, a range of medical… Audio

Patients waiting weeks to see a GP are often grateful to see any doctor.

But there's increasing evidence that when to it comes to health outcomes - and even life expectancy - it's a long-term… Audio

The Chair of General Practice, Dr Bryan Betty, who was part of the Covid-19 Technical Advisory Group says it's time to move on, as the rest of the world has already done.

But he says no mandates… Audio

The number of babies and preschoolers hospitalised for avoidable complications jumped 56 percent in Auckland in the year to March according to data from health agency Te Whatu Ora.

The chair of… Audio

Chair of General Practice NZ, Dr Bryan Betty says it is time to tighten up the rules on vaping.

  Video, Audio

GPs are gearing up to deliver a quick deal for patients getting immunised against both the flu and Covid-19 at the same time.

More people - including those aged 30 and up - are now eligible for the… Audio

As other countries move to restrict access to opioid drugs, New Zealand regulators have loosened the rules on how much can be prescribed at once. An amendment in November to the Misuse of Drugs… Audio

There's a push to increase the awareness of the speed and severity of Meningitis. Two university students are among four confirmed cases of the meningococcal disease in the Canterbury region this… Video, Audio

Should vapes require a doctor's prescription?

That's the law in Australia, and there are growing calls from doctors, public health experts and educators for New Zealand to do likewise.

But across… Audio

The Rural Health Network - Hauora Taiwhenua is proposing a pilot scheme which would see local medical students receive the bulk of their training using distance learning, with block courses at main… Audio

Three antiviral medicines used for treating Covid-19 early in an infection will be rolled out to about 400,000 more people, should they catch the virus.

Pharmac says Paxlovid, molnupiravir, and… Audio

GP clinics opened their doors for free visits over the weekend, funded by the DHBs in Auckland and Wellington.

While it's taking some of the strain from overloaded emergency departments, it means GPs… Video, Audio

The College of GPs warns that sick workers needing medical certificates are adding to the pressure on already stretched general practices.

It said GPs had enough to do with winter illnesses and… Audio

GPs are warning that requests for medical certificates from sick workers and students are adding to the strain on general practices.

The Royal New Zealand College of GPs said schools and businesses… Audio

New Zealand is facing a serious shortage of GPs - many family doctors will be hitting retirement age over the next decade and we're not training enough to replace them.  Audio

Post-viral brain fog is causing forgetfulness, fuzziness, and fatigue for New Zealanders trying to return to work after Covid.

The Royal College of GPs says most symptoms should resolve within four… Audio

Doctors are warning new oral antiviral drugs, which have been dubbed a "game changer" when treating covid in vulnerable patients, will not be available to all who want them. The Government has secured… Audio

Asthmatics are being urged to make sure they get the flu vaccination this year. Dr Bryan Betty speaks to Jesse. Audio

The World Health Organisation warns smokers are up to 50 percent more likely to get seriously ill or die from the coronavirus than non-smokers.

Experts are hoping it will give people another reason… Audio