June 2007

Millions to help fight killer diseases

Victoria’s top public health laboratories have received more than $2.3 million from the Government to help detect infectious diseases and to screen for and diagnose cancer and other genetic conditions.

Minister for Health Bronwyn Pike said the funding boost included:

•             $998,141 to the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL) in North Melbourne to purchase an DNA/RNA extraction system, ultra low cryo-freezer unit, autoclaves, centrifuges, microscope cameras and incubators;

•             $536,364 for the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit (MDU) at Melbourne University for a molecular analyser and molecular sample handling equipment;

•             $407,400 for BreastScreen Victoria for biopsy and ultrasound machines;

•             $190,775 for Genetic Health Victoria for an amino acid analyser;

•             $150,000 for the Victorian Cytology Service at the Royal Women’s Hospital for a rapid capture system;

•             $92,287 for Victorian Cancer Cytogenetics Service for a microscope at St Vincent’s Hospital.

‘The vital work done at the VIDRL keeps Victoria at the leading edge of research into infectious diseases and provides us with valuable information to probe serious outbreaks,’ Ms Pike said.

‘The Government has committed almost $1 million to replace some ageing and obsolete equipment at the laboratory to ensure the team is in the best position to continue its work.’

VIDRL is a statewide service which probes outbreaks such as measles, legionella and influenza and diagnoses more serious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis and tuberculosis.

It has been at the forefront of recent major regional events such as bird flu.

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Dr John Carnie said the $536,364 for the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit (MDU) at Melbourne University was great news for what is the longest continuously active public health laboratory in Australia.

‘This extra funding meets many urgent equipment needs and ensures Victorians can expect high quality screening, laboratory testing and protocols.’