From health checks to health policy: GPs head to Parliament

The halls of Victorian Parliament were transformed into consulting rooms on Wednesday when GPs brought their clinical skills and advocacy asks directly to the state’s politicians.
 
The annual GPs@Parliament event saw the doctors conduct blood pressure checks, diabetes risk assessments and mental wellbeing screenings on MPs, all while chatting about the vital role of GPs.
 
And with this year’s event happening at the tail end of a whirlwind two days in state politics, resulting in Ben Carroll taking over as Victorian Premier, the GPs in attendance were in the thick of the action.
 
GPs@Parliament aims to allow politicians to have face-to-face discussions with GPs to engage in meaningful conversation about general practice and the challenges facing the profession.
 
RACGP Victoria Deputy Co-Chair Dr Aadhil Aziz said his key message for MPs was the importance of general practice in preventive care and chronic disease management.
 
‘General practice is the most cost-effective part of our health system, and every $1 investment in general practice delivers a $1.60 return,’ he said.
 
‘But it’s easy to let preventive health fall to the side when we’re busy and stressed with work – that’s why we’re also offering free, quick, confidential health checks with a practising Victorian GP for any MP.’
 
And with a State Election on the horizon, the attending GPs also used the opportunity to discuss the RACGP’s key election asks.
 
Before Victorians head to the polls in November, the college’s calls include a full exemption from payroll tax obligations for GPs in the state, ceasing the expansion of the Chemist Care Now program, and allowing GPs to prescribe isotretinoin (sold as Roaccutane) to treat severe acne.
 
‘As GPs, we want to work to our full scope of practice in collaboration with the wider health system,’ Dr Aziz said.
 
He added that Minister Carroll taking over the state’s top job is a chance to reset relations between doctors and government after years of GPs’ warnings being ‘ignored’.
 
‘The new Premier ... has said he will deliver the new direction Victoria needs. As GPs, that’s what we have been waiting to hear,’ Dr Aziz said.
 
‘As our patients’ first and main point of contact with the health system, we’ve come to the Victorian Government with critical issues and been ignored.
 
‘We want all Victorians to have access to affordable care close to home. The election of a new Premier is an opportunity for a reset, and we’re ready to talk solutions that will provide Victorians with better access to healthcare.’
 
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