The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) welcomes the newly elected Coalition Government and implores the Government to continue its commitment to general practice and primary healthcare.
In a positive move for general practice, the Coalition Government has already recognised the pivotal role of primary healthcare in Australian communities in its pre-election policy announcements.
“The Coalition Government has committed to double the Practice Incentive Payment (PIP) for general practice training and to improving rural and remote teaching infrastructure.
“The RACGP has long been advocating for these changes and it is encouraging to see that the Coalition Government is already listening to the general practice profession,” said Dr Marles.
In looking ahead to the duration of the Coalition Government’s term, the RACGP is keen for general practice and primary healthcare, as a fundamental part of the overall health strategy, to remain a priority of the Coalition’s policy and funding development.
“General practitioners are the cornerstone of healthcare delivery in Australian communities and play a vital role in the prevention and management of health outcomes.
“The provision of patient-centred, continuing and coordinated care over an extended period of time – a key role of Australia’s GPs – will assist with disease prevention and health promotion for all Australians, while improving healthcare efficiency and reducing overall healthcare costs,” said Dr Marles.
The RACGP will work collaboratively with the Coalition Government to ensure that GPs are adequately supported to best provide Australian patient’s access to affordable, efficient and comprehensive healthcare services.