VAS feature in Duty First Magazine

Duty First Magazine is the official magazine for the Royal Australian Regiment Association. Duty First covers Battalion, Army, Defence & Veterans news.

The Provocatus editorial in the Autumn 2024 Edition of Duty First Magazine provides information to readers about the expansion of the Veteran Access Scheme (VAS) to provide a greater level of medical and pharmaceutical care for ADF Veterans.

The decision to expand the VAS beyond plant-based medicine was based on clinical observations that many DVA patients appeared to be unaware of the pharmaceutical options available to help them manage their service-related injuries and did not know how to access support.

A straw poll of over 200 patients supported these clinical observations, revealing that the number of patients who were unaware of their pharmaceutical treatment options post discharge was in the order of 97 per cent.

Provocatus’ clinicians also observed shortcomings in the level of understanding by doctors who found treating ADF veterans to be confusing and time consuming.

Doctors, allied health professionals and veteran patients seeking support to understand eligible DVA treatment options are encouraged to contact Provocatus for more information.

Read the Autumn 2024 edition of Duty First Magazine, including updates from the 7 active Battalions, 12 battalion ex-regimental associations, army and veteran news and events.