RACGP demands ‘strategic shift in healthcare funding’

The RACGP is calling for the Federal Government to deliver a ‘strategic shift’ in healthcare funding with a focus on preventive care.
 
The call comes as the three-day Economic Reform Roundtable got underway in Canberra on Tuesday, aiming to ‘improve productivity, enhance economic resilience and strengthen budget sustainability’.
 
The event brings together leaders from business, unions, the community, and government, although the RACGP says it is disappointed by a lack of healthcare representatives at the table.
 
The college is advocating for Australia’s healthcare system to shift to one that is prevention-focused rather than one designed for acute medical conditions, which it says will reduce hospital admissions, enhance illness prevention, and improve national productivity. 
 
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright urged the Federal Government to act now to ensure general practice is equipped for a productive future. 
 
He said that despite general practice being the most accessed part of the healthcare system, Government spending remains ‘disproportionately low and stagnant’.
 
‘If we fund preventive health properly, we’re investing in keeping Australians well in the community,’ Dr Wright said.
 
‘That’s better for their health, and better for our economy – we’re setting ourselves up for huge savings down the track.
 
‘Had Australia’s government placed more of an emphasis on preventive care five years ago when we released our Vision, they could have saved at least $5 billion in health costs by now.’
 
In his official opening of the roundtable, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the Government is open to all ideas shared by the 23 core attendees and 25 session-specific attendees.
 
‘Consider this as three days to inform three budgets – and beyond,’ he said.
 
‘To make the most of this opportunity we need your concrete ideas, we need you to be specific. We need to be able to pay for them. We need you to be willing to test them with others in this room. We need you to be willing to compromise and find common ground.
 
‘This is all about building consensus and building momentum. Which means going beyond our own narrow, sectional or commercial interests and serving the national economic interest.’
 
The roundtable’s program includes sessions on:

• skills attraction, development and mobility
• better regulation and approvals
• artificial intelligence and innovation
• role of budget sustainability
• efficient and high-quality government services, spending and care
• a better tax system.

general practice funding healthcare funding