23 July 2010 Federal Election 2010 – time for meaningful healthcare reform
As Australia goes to the polls we need a clear commitment to meaningful healthcare reform from both Labor and the Coalition. Regardless of who forms government after 21 August, the College is committed to continuing to work to improve access for local communities to high quality healthcare.
Healthcare investment needs to remain a priority in any government and health funds need to be allocated appropriately. All governments need to recognise that the greatest benefit to patients and the most efficient and effective healthcare takes place in the community setting. GPs are at the heart of community care – we need more resources to keep our patients healthy and out of hospital.
This week the Australian Medical Association (AMA) released its ‘Key health issues for the 2010 Federal Election’ document – a summary of the major health issues that the AMA considers must be addressed by the major parties during the election campaign. The College values it’s close relationship with the AMA and is pleased that the AMA has strongly advocated for better support for the important role of GPs in our health system. The AMA, while representing both GPs and specialists, has focused on the needs of general practice – our politicians need to too. GPs are the sector of the health system closest to our patients and our communities; we know what will work and what won’t work in terms of a reformed health system. I commend the AMA’s position, available at www.ama.com.au/keyhealthissues.
The College continues to call for direct investment into general practice including the ‘3 Ts’: general practice teams, general practice training and general practice technology. We urge both the Government and the Opposition to consider the profession’s recommendations in order to provide for a sustainable and effective general practice profession in the future. The RACGP’s submissions over the past 2 years outline our long term advocacy for general practice and are available at www.racgp.org.au/healthreform.
M5 Project - RACGP men's health initiative helping men to help themselves
M5 encourages men and those who care about them to recognise the importance of men forming an ongoing relationship with a GP.
