RURAL health is not high on the federal agenda, according to one Tamworth GP, who said some measures in this year’s Budget could make it more difficult to access health care in the bush.
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Health has not been seen as a winner in this year’s Budget, as a number of peak bodies lined up to slam the lack of policy presented in the fiscal document.
Tamworth GP Dr Casey Sullivan said the budgeted freeze on Medicare rebates continuing until July 1, 2018, would put the squeeze on rural practices.
“This means that even though it may cost more for your doctor to deliver you the same health care, the government will not assist in this rise of cost and Medicare will continue to pay practices the same amount,” Dr Sullivan said.
“It’s a sneaky way for the government to save money.”
Dr Sullivan said practices would be expected to absorb increasing costs.
“This puts pressure on practices to downsize – reduce receptionists, reduce consult rooms and try to reduce the cost of practising, making it even more difficult to access health care in the bush,” she said.
Dr Sullivan said the Rural General Practice Grants Program and the continued arrangement for rural and remote registrars to access Medicare payments would help somewhat.
“Perhaps a little more discussion with entities such as the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) would improve the Budget’s involvement with the bush,” she said.
NRHA chief executive officer Kim Webber said the announcement missed the opportunity to provide a fair share to Australia’s rural and remote population.