With a Federal Election imminent, specialist GPs from across Australia are heading to Canberra next week to urge all political parties to take doctors’ advice on how to ensure affordable access to care for all Australia.
A delegation of GPs and patient advocates supported by Australia’s peak GP body, the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) will meet with Ministers, Senators and Members of Parliament from all sides of politics.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said: “Specialist GPs are increasingly concerned at what we’re seeing across Australia.
“Our delegation of GPs and patient advocates are going to Canberra to talk to all sides of politics about the pressures we’re facing, and our plan to ensure access to affordable GP care for all Australia.
“Despite having a world-class health system, many people in our communities are missing out on essential care. More Australians are delaying care due to costs and getting sick from illnesses that could and should be managed by a specialist GP in the community. Hospitals are clogged, ambulances are ramping, and people are waiting too long for care they need.
“General practice care keeps people healthy and reduces pressure on our hospitals and ambulances – all Australians deserve affordable access to GP care.
“The upcoming Federal Election will be held during a cost-of-living crisis, and at a time when the need for general practice care is skyrocketing because of Australia’s ageing population and epidemic of chronic illness. Now, more than ever, Australians need investment in general practice to support access to affordable, high-quality care from GPs they know and trust.
“GPs know these problems inside out, and we’re going to Canberra with solutions to make specialist GP care more accessible and more affordable so everyone can get the care they need.
“To provide accessible and affordable general practice care for all Australia, we need to train more specialist GPs, and we need significant investment in Medicare. This is central to the RACGP’s comprehensive plan to get Australia’s world class health system back on track for people today, and future generations.
“There is no substitute for the quality care you get from a GP who knows you and your history, and it’s time for political parties to commit to ensuring everyone can access this essential and life-saving care.”
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