A little extra funding goes a long way with rural specialists
AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson, said a 'small print' measure involving relatively little extra funding in the Federal Health Budget will deliver important specialist medical services to patients in rural Australia.
Dr Glasson said the Rural Specialist Support Program is an example of how well-targeted funding can go a long way.
The Government has allocated an additional $6 million over four years to support established rural specialists who provide specialist services in rural communities. This brings total funding for the program to approximately $34 million over four years.
These specialists were ineligible for funding under the previous Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance Program, which is now known as the Rural Specialist Support Program.
"The AMA has been pushing hard for this funding for quite a while," Dr Glasson said.
"It may not sound like a huge budget boost but it allows more specialists to provide more people in isolated and remote areas with the sort of specialised medical treatment that patients in our towns and cities take for granted.
"A little money has bought a lot of equity and quality care for rural patients.
"The Government must build on this welcome funding to ensure the Rural Specialist Support Program can continue to effectively serve rural communities and patients," Dr Glasson said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306