Healthy Habits funding boost

An RACGP website designed to create a healthier Australia has been bolstered, thanks to added investment from the Commonwealth.
 
As part of its Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO), handed down on Wednesday, the Federal Government has set aside $1.1 million over two years to continue funding for the Healthy Habits program.
 
The website is designed to help GPs support their patients to make healthy lifestyle choices, with around 80% of patients currently asking their doctor to talk to them about physical activity and nutrition.
 
Healthy Habits was created in partnership with the Department of Health and Aged Care and launched last month, allowing patients to record their nutrition, sleep, and physical activity goals via a mobile app.
 
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins welcomed the funding boost.
 
‘Investing in general practice and preventive care is key to a healthier Australia and easing pressure on our overburdened hospitals and emergency departments,’ she said.
 
‘It will help Australia’s GPs provide preventive care and support their patients to make healthy choices when it comes to food, physical activity, and sleep – which has a direct impact on peoples’ health and wellbeing.’
 
The 2023–24 mid-year budget update also includes a further $39.5 million for urgent care clinics and services to support the delivery of bulk billed urgent care.
 
‘While these clinics alone won’t solve the problem of Australia’s overflowing hospitals, they have the potential to improve access for patients in an emergency,’ Dr Higgins said.
 
‘Urgent care is a central part of general practice, and these services need to be adequately supported and integrated within primary care and the broader health system.’
 
The Government also committed $1.5 million over three years for the Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) – Practice Stream to expand the list of health professions included.
 
It will also broaden eligibility for payments to all participating practices, including those in metropolitan areas.
 
Dr Higgins said this is an encouraging start, but more detail is needed.
 
‘WIP funding is key to supporting multidisciplinary team care, which is part of the Government’s national health reforms,’ she said.
 
‘This is about enabling GPs and health professionals to work together to get the best outcomes for their patients.’
 
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Economic and Fiscal Outlook Healthy Habits MYEFO preventive health