Despite being the most efficient part of the healthcare sector, general practice and primary health care have taken the greatest hits in healthcare funding cuts, says the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
The Federal Government has announced a number of measures to save $8.6 billion in healthcare alone, with savings to be reinvested to fund additional initiatives in healthcare such as the establishment of the Medical Research Future Fund.
RACGP President, Dr Liz Marles said the budget cuts will have a negative impact on the Australian Community.
“The Government promised it will develop a budget to support those in the community with the greatest healthcare needs; however a number of budget measures go against this commitment and create significant disadvantages for vulnerable populations.
“The implementation of a co-payment for Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) services and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) registered medications provide a disincentive for patients to access clinically appropriate primary healthcare services and treatments.
“Setting a price signal to all consumers to make a contribution towards the cost of their health is not a move that encourages equitable access to primary healthcare services – instead it adds an additional barrier to a system already fraught with complications, such as increased out-of-pocket expenses,” said Dr Marles.
The Government has also announced the “reinvention” of the current Medicare Locals structure which will be replaced by Primary Health Networks with a stronger general practitioner presence.
The Government has committed to increase the number of general practice training positions from 1,200 to 1,500 and double the teaching practice incentive payment (PIP) including the introduction of a general practice rural and regional infrastructure grant.
The general practice rural incentives program will also receive funding for $35.4 million over 2 years which will assist in the relocation and retention of general practitioners in underserviced areas.
“Greater support in building the general practice workforce, especially in rural and remote communities will lead to improved health system efficiency and will help address critical general practice workforce shortages,” said Dr Marles.
However, the RACGP has serious concerns regarding the consolidation of General Practice Education and Training (GPET) into the Department of Health (DoH) and the cessation of the Pre-vocational General Practice Placement (PGPPP) scheme.
“General practice training is the best way to ensure all Australians, now and in the future, have continued access to high quality, sustainable and affordable healthcare services.
“Now is not the time to compromise investments into a well-trained general practice workforce,” said Dr Marles. The Government has also committed an additional $140.6 million in funding to the continued operation of the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR).
“It is positive to see the Government commit to the practical application of the PCEHR and demonstrate a genuine desire to work with the general practice profession,” said Dr Marles.
The RACGP is committed to achieving the best possible health outcomes for all Australians and will continue to advocate for a ‘Healthy Profession. Healthy Australia.’