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AMA Pre-Budget Submission - strong GP emphasis

The AMA recently released its Pre-Budget Submission Review for 2018-19. AMA President, Dr Michael Gannon, said the key for the Government is to consider all health policies as investments in a healthier and more productive population.

“The conditions are ripe for a new round of significant and meaningful health reform, underpinned by secure, stable, and sufficient long-term funding to ensure the best possible health outcomes for the Australian population,” Dr Gannon said.

A significant focus of the Pre-Budget Submission includes general practice and primary care. The AMA recognises the important role GPs play in delivering care to an ageing population and that they are spending more time with patients – yet Government funding for general practice does not match up with the hours GPs are spending on delivering this care.

In particular, the Pre-Budget Submission calls for additional funding for the proposed Practice Incentive Program Quality Incentive, an investment in wound care, reforms to after-hours GP services and for more time and extra funding for the Health Care Homes Trial.

Read the full AMA Pre-Budget Submission here.

Full Media Release.

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