RACGP–NACCHO agreement a ‘special milestone’

The agreement, struck between the RACGP and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), re-emphasises an ‘unwavering commitment’ to improving health outcomes that ensure optimal physical, social, emotional and cultural wellbeing for communities and individuals across Australia.
 
At a signing ceremony attended by Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt, RACGP Vice-President Associate Professor Ayman Shenouda said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) represents a ‘special milestone’.
 
‘The RACGP’s partnership approach with NACCHO is similar to that seen in clinical practice, with respect for the insights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations, and the experience of RACGP members,’ he said. ‘Our organisations’ relationship embodies this philosophy.
 
‘Each organisation has unique skills, knowledge and experiences, which, when combined with the other, really can make a difference in our efforts to improve healthcare for Australia’s First Peoples.
 
‘The RACGP has focused both on strengthening opportunities for GPs to work sustainably in the sector, and to provide support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to successfully navigate education and training pathways to become a GP.’
 
According to the 2019 General Practice: Health of the Nation report, 70% of GPs working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health intend to continue working in the space for more than 10 years, while only 18% plan to retire in the next five years.
 
Associate Professor Shenouda also pointed to the National guide to a preventive health assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as an example of the significant work in which the RACGP and NACCHO have previously engaged, and said the new MoU will ensure continued collaboration on future projects.
 
‘It is our mission to achieve Indigenous health workforce parity in order to drive faster progress in closing the gap in health equality,’ he said.
 
‘We can’t just sign a document and feel we have played our part.
 
‘The RACGP will continue its vocal advocacy for Aboriginal community control, and the strengths of the sector in delivering high-quality clinically and culturally safe healthcare.’

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health NACCHO