The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is supportive of any reconsideration of the proposed $7 co-payment model by the Government, following mounting speculation that the plan will be abandoned.
Proposed in the May Federal Budget, the $7 co-payment has remained one of the Government’s most controversial budget measures.
RACGP President Dr Frank R Jones said the foreshadowed changes to the co-payment proposal send a positive signal that the Government has been receptive to the concerns of the general practice profession and the Australian community.
“Reevaluating the co-payment model will positively contribute to the debate on the future sustainability of quality general practice,” said Dr Jones.
“Australia needs a funding model that values and supports quality primary healthcare which will lead to better patient outcomes and reduced expenditure in the more costly tertiary healthcare system.
“If the Government decides to return to the drawing board, the RACGP encourages consideration of a collaborative funding model that protects the health of all Australians.
“It is a model that drives continuity of care and quality in general practice that the RACGP believes would benefit GPs, patients and the Government well into the future.”
The RACGP is open to further discussions with the Government to develop a sustainable and workable alternative to the co-payment model that will benefit patients, GPs and the government alike.
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.’