Primary health care sustainability
A fact based approach is essential in any “frank, fearless and far reaching” discussion about the future of Australia’s health system.
In his recent speech to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA) conference, federal Health Minister Peter Dutton claimed the Australian public needed to know ‘the facts’ and added that the “focus of the commonwealth should be on getting the primary care response right, particularly for the chronically diseased”.
Australian Medicare Locals (AML) Alliance chair, Dr Arn Sprogis, said Australia’s primary health care system is delivering changes at the frontline, working with general practice and addressing identified local service gaps including fixing after hours care.
“Acknowledging the commonwealth’s focus on getting our primary care response right, we urge the federal government to build on what is being achieved through Medicare Local primary health care organisations,” Dr Sprogis said.
“The best way to tackle the ageing population and the huge challenges presented by obesity and diabetes statistics is through strong primary care.
“Local primary health care organisations play a role in reducing cost pressures within the health system through local coordination and provision of frontline primary care services including health prevention and promotion activities encouraging healthy lifestyles.
“This unique system creates health care from the individual right through to population health.
“Working at the regional level, Medicare Locals are delivering the services and finding the solutions to frontline care that no other organisations are designed to do,” Dr Sprogis said.
