New agreement with AIDA strengthens efforts to address Indigenous health gap
The AMA has deepened its relationship with the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association by signing the first memorandum of understanding between the two organisations.
The AMA and the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) have signed a memorandum of understanding that cements a shared commitment towards addressing serious health inequities affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It is the inaugural memorandum of understanding between the two organisations and follows months of negotiations and preparations.
AMA President Professor Steve Robson signed the agreement alongside AIDA President Dr Simone Raye at AMA’s federal offices in Canberra on Tuesday, in an event covered by Indigenous media including National Indigenous Television and the National Indigenous Times.
Professor Robson said the memorandum of understanding would unlock further collaboration with AIDA and foster the growth of a culturally safe expert medical workforce.
The agreement includes a strong commitment from both organisations to tackle racism within the medical sector and improve culturally appropriate care, as well as culturally safe training for future Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors.
“Disappointingly, racism and discrimination are still present in our community, which contributes to a significant health gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians,” Professor Robson said.
“This memorandum of understanding will accelerate collaboration between the AMA and AIDA as we work towards closing that gap.”
Dr Raye said AIDA was “delighted to be working in partnership with the AMA as we focus on improving the culture of medicine for our workforce and our patients”.
