The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has warned that making rapid antigen tests (RATs) widely available for vulnerable groups on low incomes is essential in tackling COVID-19 across Australia.
It comes following the Government announcing that the COVID-19 Rapid Test Concessional Access Program providing 10 free rapid antigen tests every three months for concession card holders will not be extended beyond July 2022.
RACGP President Adj. Professor Karen Price said the move would put vulnerable people at greater risk and make the task of limiting community transmission of COVID-19 potentially more challenging.
“The Royal Australian College of GPs continues to support free access to rapid antigen tests,” she said.
“This is particularly important for people with high risk factors such as underlying health conditions, those facing situations where the risk of transmission is high, and patients who can’t be vaccinated. We can’t just have healthcare available to those who can afford it, accessibility for vulnerable groups on low incomes is vital.
“We must keep in mind that $8 is a considerable expense for many people, and that some of us have jobs that involve regularly coming into close contact with many different people during the day. When you factor in that someone may have to take multiple tests over numerous days you can see how it quickly becomes unaffordable. With COVID-19 case numbers climbing across Australia and limited PCR testing available, it is critical to ensure as many people as possible can access RATs when they need to.
“If people can’t access RATs, our entire health system will come under even more immense pressure. In order to access pathways of clinical care for COVID-19 in the community, including recently expanded antiviral treatments, it is necessary to have a positive test. Determining whether an individual is COVID-19-positive also helps to stop the spread of the disease in workplaces and in the broader community. Remember too, if someone is uncertain as to whether they have COVID-19, their close contacts are at greater risk of spreading the virus.
“This virus is not disappearing anytime soon, and we must step up measures to reduce community transmission. Ensuring access to RATs is an essential tool in the fight against COVID-19.”
The RACGP calls on state and territory and federal governments to:
- provide general practice with a stock of rapid antigen tests for patients with clinical indications and risk factors
- provide high-risk locations such as supported accommodation and residential aged care facilities with a stock of rapid antigen tests
- provide free access to rapid antigen tests for all Australians, supply permitting, prioritising target populations during supply constraint.
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