Australian Medical Association

The Close the Gap Campaign Steering Committee of peak Indigenous and non-Indigenous health organisations has produced a Shadow Report that provides the perspective of the Indigenous and non-Indigenous health sector on the Government's progress in closing the gap. The AMA is a key member of that Steering Committee.

AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, today congratulated the Government and the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists on a mutually satisfactory outcome from their negotiations over changes to the Medicare rebate for cataract surgery.

Dr Pesce said that today’s resolution was, above all, a win for patients and a great relief for the thousands of people around the country who had faced uncertainty over their sight-saving operations.

“The successful outcome over this issue confirms the AMA view that there must be expert clinical input at the beginning of the process of making changes to Medicare rebates, not after the event,” Dr Pesce said.

AMA President Dr Andrew Pesce today urged Indigenous medical students to apply for the 2010 AMA Indigenous Peoples’ Medical Scholarship.

The scholarship was established in 1995 to help increase the number of Indigenous doctors in Australia.

“The AMA believes that an essential part of closing the gap in Indigenous health is to build an adequate workforce for Indigenous health. This importantly includes doctors and health professionals who are Indigenous,” Dr Pesce said.

“There is evidence that there is a greater chance of improved health outcomes when Indigenous people are treated by Indigenous doctors and health workers.

To encourage and assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people intending to complete a medical degree at an Australian university.

Applicants for this scholarship must be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders.  For the purposes of this scholarship, an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is someone who is of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, or who identifies as an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and is accepted as such by the community in which he or she lives or has lived.  Applicants will be asked to provide a letter from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community organisation supporting their claim.

To be awarded a scholarship, applicants must be currently enrolled full time at an Australian Medical School, and have successfully completed at least their first year of medicine. However, students who are currently in their first year of medicine are eligible to apply.  Applicants must also be eligible for ABSTUDY.  A scholarship will not be awarded to an applicant who already holds another scholarship.

Applications close Friday 29 January 2010.

AMA Indigenous Health Report Card 2009

The eighth AMA Indigenous Health Report Card – The Health of Indigenous Males: Building Capacity, Securing the Future – was launched in Darwin today by the Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, and AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce.

Dr Pesce said the Report Card this year highlights the tragic state of health for Indigenous males in Australia today, and proposes solutions that will ensure longer and better quality lives.

“Indigenous males are much more likely to die earlier from preventable causes than non-Indigenous males and Indigenous females,” Dr Pesce said.

“At every age – from boyhood to manhood – Indigenous males experience higher rates of diseases and conditions that are totally preventable.

“We need to take action to change this.

The AMA Indigenous Health Report Card 2009 collates the tragic facts of the health of Indigenous males.

The Report Card details AMA proposals to improve the health of Indigenous males through primary health care services and workforce, quality care in all Australian health services, local community capacity building, health promotion and chronic disease prevention, strategies to keep Indigenous males out of prison, a focus on social and emotional wellbeing, and promotion of economic engagement and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Tomorrow’s Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting is a crucial opportunity to focus on achieving concrete long-term health improvements for Indigenous people, the AMA said.

The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) will meet in Darwin tomorrow (Thursday)  to discuss a strategic national plan for closing the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

AMA Federal President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said it is important that governments develop a national plan for Indigenous health in genuine partnership with Indigenous people and health organisations that know what is needed and what will work.

“The Prime Minister has acknowledged that closing the 17-year life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians is one of the most significant challenges facing Australia,” Dr Pesce said.

A former police officer and industrial paramedic who wants to help improve the health of Aboriginal people has won the AMA Indigenous Peoples' Medical Scholarship for 2009.

Terry Morich, who celebrated his 44th birthday today, was awarded the scholarship by AMA Federal President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua.

Valued at $9,000 for each year of study, the scholarship provides support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying medicine.

The scholarship was established in 1995 with the help of the Department of Health and Ageing and has received the support of the Reuben Pelerman Benevolent Foundation.

Mr Morich, a fourth year medical student at the University of Western Australia, plans to work as a General Practitioner.

As a result of the Close the Gap Campaign, and the advocacy of the AMA, there have been some significant first steps taken by Australian governments to address Indigenous health inequalities. To further promote community awareness of the Close the Gap Campaign, and strengthen community involvement, a "Community Guide' brochure has been produced to indicate ways in which members of the public can participate and contribute to reduce these inequalites.

On Close the Gap Day, the AMA has urged governments to improve child health services in Indigenous communities.

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, said more work needed to be done to close the 17 year life expectancy gap between Australia’s 500,000 Indigenous people and their fellow citizens.