2022 Election: Anthony Albanese announces Medicare plan

Anthony Albanese has promised to create a “Medicare Strengthening Fund” to make it easier and more affordable to visit a therapist.

The opposition leader also promised internship grants of up to $ 50,000 for modernization.

The $ 750 million fund and $ 220 million in grant commitments were welcomed by Australia’s powerful professional body for doctors ahead of its announcement on Saturday – a stark contrast to when last month it overturned the work plan of 50 emergency clinics after of how not consulted last month.

The Australian Medical Association, which has been campaigning for Medicare throughout the election, said Labor’s latest commitment was to put common practice on the path to a more “sustainable” future.

“The primary care fund announced by the ALP today, if implemented, is a strong initial payment that will help implement the recently completed 10-year primary care plan, a plan that has remained completely unfunded by the government,” said AMA President Omar Harshid. referring to the policy announced by Scott Morrison in 2019.

“The ALP Primary Care Fund’s commitment will allow for investment in programs that will improve access to patient services, including therapist services during non-business hours and a workforce incentive program.

“We welcome the ALP’s commitment to working with the AMA to implement primary care reform.”

The new Medicare fund, which will cost $ 250 million every 12 months from 2023 to 24 years over three years, will focus on improving access to doctors and nurses and better managing challenging conditions.

This will follow the recommendations of a working group chaired by the Minister of Health, which will “immediately” decide on priorities to correct what Labor considers a “GP crisis”.

Another $ 220 million will go to the GP grant program, which will upgrade IT systems, improve staff skills, purchase new equipment and improve infection control and ventilation.

Smaller practitioners will be able to receive grants of up to $ 25,000, and larger therapists may receive $ 50,000.

“Every day, wherever I go, people talk to me about finding it harder and harder to see a doctor,” Mr Albanese said.

“Common practice is a cornerstone of the Australian healthcare system.

“Australians trust their doctors. It is vital that all Australians receive the quality care they deserve.

“Only Labor has a plan to make it easier for Australians to see a therapist and strengthen Medicare.”

In April, the AMA said it was not convinced of another work plan announced in the company’s first week, to set up 50 emergency centers across Australia to ease pressure on the emergency department.

“These centers will do little to alleviate hospital congestion, further fragmentation of services and compete unfairly with neighboring medical practitioners, who without this government funding will not be able to keep their doors open for long,” Dr. Harshid said at the time. .