Labor MP calls for own government to widen Covid anti-viral eligibility in Australia

Exclusive: Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah says strategy is letting Australians down, but medical groups back current regulatory approach

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A Labor MP and doctor says the nation’s strategy on responding to Covid infections is “letting Australians down” and is calling for a major overhaul on eligibility for powerful anti-viral drugs to allow far greater access for more people.

Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah said she paid more than $1,100 from her own pocket this week on a private script for Covid anti-virals for a sick family member who was not eligible for subsidised access to the drugs. She called on her own government to open the treatments to all people aged over 12, labelling current rules “daft”.

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