What a difference a month makes. In early January, as we swapped our beach towels for muted workwear, the question was, ‘How will the COVID vaccine rollout work here in the great southern state?’
The answer is becoming clearer, but why the uncertainty? Why do we still not know how it’s going to work?
It’s been an eye-opener becoming Chair during this pandemic. I’ve learnt just how wicked a wicked problem can be in a public health crisis. Remember wicked problems? They’re ‘social or cultural problems that are difficult to solve for four reasons: incomplete or contradictory knowledge; the number of people and opinions involved; the large economic burden; and the interconnected nature of these problems with other problems’.
So many interconnected challenges – my mind has boggled. The time pressure is overwhelming. The information evolves as we learn. What happens internationally affects us; what happens down the street even more so.
General practice is frustrated and concerned. Have we been forgotten? Are they listening to us?
We’re speaking consistently and clearly. President Karen Price, Victorian faculty members and I meet regularly with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and we’re listened to with great interest. We’re advocating for the role of GPs, the logistics, the coordination, the funding and the support required for our sector to participate. And ever present is the conundrum between state and federal jurisdictions.
When it comes to wicked problems, solutions are equally complex. No single element of the solution will be perfect. But amid the uncertainty, general practice is right inside the conversation about the vaccine rollout in Victoria. The wickedness of the crises hasn’t shut us out – it’s been our invitation in.
To join this conversation, tune in to our
DHHS webinar series.
Also, have your say in the
RACGP Member census. Your feedback will help guide our advocacy and improve the value and relevance of your membership.
Anita Muñoz
RACGP Victoria Chair