The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is disappointed that tonight’s Budget failed to address most of the issues raised in the College’s 2012/13 pre-budget submission.
Professor Claire Jackson, RACGP President, said as expected the Budget provided $3.7 billion for aged care, $515.3 million for dental health services, $49.7 million for bowel cancer screening, $475 million for new and improved health facilities for rural, regional and remote communities and $5.2 billion for Indigenous health initiatives.
“The College cautiously welcomes the $233.7 million e-health investment, which includes over $161 million to operate the personally controlled electronic health record (PCEHR) system for the next two years. The College notes the continuation of an ePIP for practices participating in a PCEHR.
“The College will be seeking further detail regarding individual general practices' payments and GP funding to assist in the smooth implementation of the PCEHR.
“The College is disappointed with the loss of the General Practice Immunisation PIP and we will be seeking clarification regarding changes to the Cervical Screening and Diabetes PIPs over the coming days.
“The College will also seek further detail regarding radiology budget saving measures, which limit Medicare rebates to accredited providers in accredited premises. This has implications for our essential rural and remote GP workforce.
“The College also notes the $44 million saving on GP Super Clinics and the removal of funding for Local Lead Clinician Groups.
“Finally, the College supports the large reduction in cigarette duty free allowance,” Professor Jackson said.
Over the coming days, the RACGP will be analysing the budget papers in detail and will provide members with a briefing document, which will be available soon at www.racgp.org.au/reports.
The College is committed to continue working with all levels of government to improve access to high quality care to better meet the needs of our local communities.