Tasmanian’s brittle bones are expected to cost $78 million this year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
About 139,000 Tasmanians aged 50 and above are living with brittle bones, which is only expected to rise during the next five years.
The figures are part of the first state report released by Osteoporosis Australia today, investigating the costs of poor bone health.
The report found the total cost of brittle bones and subsequent fractures could create a $564 million financial burden in the decade to 2022.
It also found the costs, and fractures, were preventable.
Menzies Institute for Medical Research Chronic Disease Management Professor Tania Winzenberg said within the next five years, the number of people living with brittle bones was anticipated to reach 155,300.
That would cause the number of costly fractures to swell, with the report estimating there will be 4900 fractures in Tasmania each year by 2022.
“A broken bone is usually a sign that we need to take action to prevent more bone loss, as each fracture significantly raises the risk of a further fracture,” Professor Winzenberg said.
“What is extremely worrying is that four-out-of-five Australians treated for an osteoporotic fracture are not tested for osteoporosis, and therefore, are not offered treatment for osteoporosis.”
The report release corresponded with the launch of Australia’s only national alliance between 30 organisations targeting the osteoporotic fracture prevention.
Professor Winzenberg said hospitals were becoming “revolving doors” for fracture patients as they were not properly assessed and treated for osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis Australia chief executive Greg Lyubomirsky called for urgent action.
The report demonstrated the high cost to the healthcare system of preventable fractures, Mr Lyubomirsky said.
“We must do better.”
Health Minister Michael Ferguson said the government would review the report carefully.
“But we will always look to ensure that Tasmanian Health Service patients receive appropriate after-care,” Mr Ferguson said
“We recognise that Tasmania has an ageing population in our Healthy Tasmania 5 Year Strategic Plan, which was launched last July.”
The plan outlined a range of preventative health measures that would encourage Tasmanians to live longer and healthier lives, including eating a balanced diet for good bone health, Mr Ferguson said.
“Across Government there is already more than $70 million committed towards preventative health. Our record health budget invests over $7 billion and delivers the biggest ever boost to health.”