Health groups welcome Health Commission Report’s findings for reform of Australia’s health system
The Australian Health Care Reform Alliance (AHCRA) has welcomed the interim report from the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission on reform of the national health system.
“Many of the directions outlined in the report reflect the concerns of health professionals and consumers with regard to the current failings of the health system,” AHCRA chair, Fiona Armstrong said.
“The emphasis on primary health care to address people’s health care needs throughout their lifespan, and keep them well, with the establishment of multi-disciplinary primary health care centres close to where people live, is strongly supported,” Ms Armstrong said.
“There is strong evidence for this; most other countries are endeavouring to do it – not only to reduce the burden on individuals, but to prevent social exclusion, reduce costs on the health system, and maintain national productivity – because illness prevents people participating in employment and community life.
Other health organisations have welcomed the ‘warts and all’ view of the health system offered by the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission’s (NHHRC) interim report.
Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA), the peak body representing the nation’s public hospitals, area health services and public aged care providers, says the report has revealed years of underfunding.
AHHA executive director, Prue Power, says the report reflects “longstanding concerns that years of underfunding have left
