The Federal Government’s Budget announcement this week heralded an increase in health costs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, sparking concern from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ (RACGP) that health disparities are set to worsen.
The Government has confirmed the controversial general practice co-payment model will go ahead with Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) rebates reduced by $5 and general practice patients hit with a co-payment of $7 from 1 July 2015.
The RACGP has strongly advocated against a co-payment model, arguing this model will seriously exacerbate healthcare inequality for the most vulnerable Australians who often experience the greatest healthcare needs.
RACGP President, Dr Liz Marles said the Government’s introduction of a co-payment is counter-intuitive to its commitment to closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
“The introduction of the $7 co-payment places significant pressure on all Australians but it will prove disastrous for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities who already face considerable barriers to accessing clinically appropriate healthcare.
“The Government is mistaken if it believes this co-payment model will not further entrench existing financial, geographical and cultural barriers faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people accessing healthcare.
“Last night’s Budget announcement will have a profound effect on any progress made toward achieving the Close the Gap campaign’s initiatives.
“I have no doubt the implementation of these co-payment models will result in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people choosing to delay or avoid visiting their GP and accessing essential medications,” said Dr Marles.
Overall funding for the Department of Health Indigenous programs will be cut by $121.8 million over a 5 year period.
The Government has also achieved $534.4 million in budgetary savings through the rationalisation of over 150 Indigenous programs within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to five, focusing on areas such as employment, schooling and wellbeing.
“We know the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is affected by a range of factors including education and employment status.
“Any cut in funding directed to improve the health and social wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is a step in the wrong direction,” said Dr Marles.
The RACGP will continue to lobby the Federal Government to take responsibility for the wellbeing of its most vulnerable populations.
As a member of the Close the Gap steering committee the RACGP is committed to achieving the campaign goals and is proud of the daily work of many of its members to improve health outcomes for their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.