Productivity Commission and aged care

AMA Vice President and Chair of the AMA Committee on Care of Older People, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, said today that the Productivity Commission highlights some of the inequities and inefficiencies that currently make access to appropriate aged care services difficult for many older people.

"Some of the Commission's observations deserve close consideration by the Government and other stakeholders," Dr Haikerwal said.

"We support any initiative that improves the health and independence of older Australians and improves the links between aged care services and health services.

"The AMA's submission to the Pricing Review stressed the need for a thorough look at overall cost pressures affecting aged care, including medical and other health care costs.

"Doctors are concerned at the increasing difficulties that older people in residential aged care confront in being able to access timely and appropriate health care - at home or in their residential aged care facility.

"The Government's Pricing Review must address the substantial disincentives and barriers that currently make it difficult for GPs, geriatricians, nurses, other health professionals, and carers to operate in the aged care sector," Dr Haikerwal said.

CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761

Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306