Australian government issues apology over vaginal mesh implants

The Australian government has issued an apology to women in the country who have been affected by a growing scandal surrounding the use of vaginal mesh implants, which can leave some women with painful and debilitating complications. 

It comes in response to a recently published report from an Australian senate inquiry into the adverse effects of transvaginal surgical mesh implants, that subsequently laid out 13 recommendations to the government to deal with the issue.

The inquiry raised awareness about serious and longstanding impacts reported by some women following mesh-related procedures. The inquiry identified how the government can recognise and support the women affected and make improvements to Australia’s health care system.

In an issued statement, the government has announced that it supports, or supports in principle, 12 of the 13 recommendations, and notes Recommendation 11 which calls for a retrospective audit of transvaginal mesh procedures since the devices were introduced in Australia.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said: "On behalf of the Australian government, I say sorry to all of those women with the historic agony and pain that has come from mesh implantation which have led to horrific outcomes.

“I acknowledge the strength of the women who spoke at the public hearings, recounting deeply private and often traumatic experiences. Our main aim and collective efforts are focused on restoring affected women’s confidence in our healthcare system, now and into the future.”

In the meantime, some of the steps the Government are taking in the wake of the inquiry report include; requiring device companies to supply leaflets and cards with details of each device implanted and strengthened pre-market assessment by up-classifying all surgical mesh products from class IIb (medium to high risk) to class III (high risk).

The Australian Government’s full response to the Inquiry is on the Australian Health Department’s website.