Devices such as insulin pumps, heart rate monitors, and personal safety alarms may stop working when Telstra and Optus phase out their 3G services, posing serious risks to patient safety.
ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett welcomed the recent delay to the shutdown but stressed that many are still unaware of the potential impacts.
“Many people are simply unaware that devices like insulin pumps, heart rate monitors and personal safety alarms may all be impacted by the shutdown of 3G networks by Telstra and Optus. It is a major health risk,” Bennett said.
Bennett also highlighted a significant gap in the regulation of medical devices, stating they are “poorly regulated” compared to pharmaceuticals. This lack of oversight has contributed to previous failures in medical devices, such as surgical mesh and hip implants.
To mitigate the risks, Bennett called for urgent action from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). She stressed that device manufacturers should be required to notify affected patients and provide updates.
“The Therapeutic Goods Administration should require medical device manufacturers and their agents to take urgent action to alert consumers to these changes and put in place penalties for non-compliance,” she said.
Additionally, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) must inform medical professionals to ensure proper patient care. Medical practitioners can then advise their patients on alternative devices or steps to take before the 3G shutdown.
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Clear and immediate communication is essential. Telecommunications companies, healthcare organisations, and the government should work together to launch awareness campaigns, ensuring patients know how the 3G switch-off may affect their health.
ACCAN played a key role in advocating for the delay, concerned not only about medical devices but also the broader impact on emergency communications.
“The interim findings of the Senate Committee which looked into the 3G shutdown, released in August, found that up to 380,000 mobile phones may be unable to make regular calls or reach triple zero emergency services when the nation’s 3G networks was due to be switched off,” Bennett noted.
ACCAN remains committed to collaborating with government, industry, and community groups to deliver these critical messages to consumers.
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