Government delivers strong package for older Australians - but medical care is lacking
The AMA congratulates the Government on its Living Longer Living Better plan to support older Australians, in particular the measures to assist them to live in their homes for longer, but is disappointed that the issue of access to quality medical care has not been properly addressed.
AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said that the plan is a strong response to a policy area that has been long neglected, but the Government should have gone the extra step of giving older Australians the comfort of knowing they could get access to their doctors at a time of life when they most need them.
“Living at home allows individuals to age with dignity as an active participant in the community with a sense of place, and this is very important,” Dr Hambleton said.
“But it is equally important to have easy access to medical care, at home or in residential aged care.
“The AMA welcomes the commitment to improve access to general practitioners through the use of video consultations. This is something the AMA highlighted with the Government in the Telehealth initiative.
“The Government will provide increased support for doctors to undertake more timely dementia diagnosis.
“We also welcome the additional funding for palliative care.
“And we are pleased that there is a safety net for the many older Australians who don’t have the financial capacity to pay for aged care.
“However, the funding for the health care aspects of the package falls well short of what is needed, and many areas of primary care for older Australians have not been addressed in this package.
“We will be seeking more details from the Minister for Health and Ageing about the health care aspects of this package, especially access to primary care services,” Dr Hambleton said.
20 April 2012
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