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An Australian-first inquiry into women’s pain will be held in Victoria after a survey of women in the state found two in five respondents suffered from chronic pain.
The premier, Jacinta Allan, and the health minister, Mary-Anne Thomas, on Monday announced the inquiry, which will examine the systemic issues women face when seeking care and support for pain.
Allan, who suffers from endometriosis, said while chronic pain affects a higher proportion of girls and women than men, women are less likely to receive treatment.
“Many women in our community know that there is a gendered pain gap. They know that their pain is real and they also know that for too long, that pain hasn’t both been believed and received the treatment it needs and deserves through our health system,” Allan told reporters
“That is why the government is placing a significant amount of attention and resources on this issue, because when we support women’s health, we support the health of all Victorians.”
Led by a panel of experts and overseen by the Women’s Health Advisory Council, which is chaired by Labor MP Kat Theophanous, the inquiry will hear from women with lived experience of pain, as well as healthcare workers and stakeholders.
It will make recommendations and report back to the health minister by the end of 2024.
I hope this spreads to the US.
Wow, she's already light years ahead of Dan Andrews. Brilliant news.