27 September 2020

RACGP welcomes new Victorian health minister Martin Foley

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has welcomed the appointment of new health minister Martin Foley.

RACGP Victoria Chair Dr Cameron Loy said that the college stood ready to work arm in arm with the new health minister.  

“On behalf of the RACGP board, members and executive team I welcome Minister Foley to the role,” Dr Loy said.

“Our intention is to work closely with Minister Foley and his office on the issues that matter to general practice and Victorian patients. With the COVID-19 pandemic still presenting extraordinary challenges for general practice care across the state, there is not a moment to lose.

“We must ensure that general practice is better integrated into the Victorian Government’s emergency management apparatus.

“Primary care will be vital in managing the long-term health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. That includes a likely increase in mental health concerns, the effects of people delaying or avoiding seeking care as well as the impacts of the COVID-19 virus itself on the long-term physical and mental wellbeing of patients.

“GPs will be front and centre in helping these patients in the months and years ahead and we need the right support from the Victorian Government to do so.

“It is also vital that general practice has sufficient stock of personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, eye protection and gowns. Some Victorian GPs have not always been able to obtain adequate supplies or have taken a hit to their hip pocket due to price surges in the private market and that must change.

“We look forward to charting a new course forward with Minister Foley to ensure our GPs have what they need to look after patients in all Victorian communities.”


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