ACT Division of General Practice (ACTDGP) believes the ACT is poised to implement reform to the primary health care system and improve patient health outcomes.
Under Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s health reform agreement reached at COAG on Sunday, the Commonwealth Government confirmed the establishment of community primary health care organisations, known as Medicare Locals, to coordinate and integrate local primary health care.
ACTDGP President Dr Rashmi Sharma said the ACT is in a fortunate and unique position with only one level of government and only one Medicare Local. ACTDGP is anticipating receiving an invitation to apply to become the ACT Medicare Local.
“Now that COAG have met we are looking forward to the Government releasing the ‘invitation to apply’ to become a Medicare Local as General Practitioners, health professionals and consumers are all ready for a positive change,” said Dr Sharma.
ACT Health Care Consumers' Association Executive Director, Ms Darlene Cox welcomes the planned establishment of the ACT Medicare Local particularly as Canberra is facing challenges such as an ageing and growing population and increased health costs.
“Canberrans can look forward to the ACT Medicare Local addressing service gaps and ensuring services are more responsive to our needs,” said Ms Cox.
“We will see improved patient health outcomes as streamlined delivery of care is increased, particularly for people in the community with a chronic condition. Canberrans will be better able to negotiate a complex health system.”
“Health reform will allow General Practice to build on years of investment, intellectual capital and well established relationships with ACT Health and allied health to improve the efficiency of the health system. However, there is much to be done before the first group of Medicare Locals are due to commence on 1 July, in terms of legal, financial, staffing and governance issues. So we urge the Commonwealth Government to instigate the ‘invitation to apply’ as soon as possible,” said Dr Sharma.
For more information please phone Roz Lemon on 0417 179 314 or email
media@actdgp.asn.au.