AMA releases Priority Health Investment Plan

The AMA Priority Investment Plan for Australia’s Health System identifies seven key areas of the health system where urgent action will make a real difference for people seeking access to quality health services.

AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said the AMA Plan is simple, it is immediate, it is affordable, it is practical, and it is common sense.

“We are offering the Government real solutions to real problems,” Dr Pesce said.

“We have looked at the recommendations in the various reports being considered by the Government and we have chosen to make recommendations of our own that will deliver significant benefits to patients and communities.

“This Plan reflects the day to day experiences of doctors and patients in the health system.  It responds to the needs of people who use health services every day.

“We need this Plan to improve productivity in the health system, place a greater focus on people and their health needs, and improve the quality and safety of health care.”

The AMA Priority Investment Plan for Australia’s Health System sets out seven priority areas for action:

• Indigenous Australians are dying too young, the health gap is too wide, and poverty is endemic in the Indigenous population

The capacity to provide primary health care to Indigenous communities in rural, remote and urban areas must be significantly improved through expanding the workforce for Indigenous health, and building the health-related capacity of Indigenous communities. 

Today’s National Health Reform Consultation Summit was co-sponsored by the AMA and was attended by representatives of the Medical Colleges and the leading national medical and health professional associations and organisations.

The AMA Priority Investment Plan for Australia’s Health System is available on the AMA website at www.ama.com.au/node/4954


16 September 2009

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