News
Focus On Health Prevention And Early Intervention Welcomed |
| Spokesperson: | Australian Divisions of General Practice Ltd |
| Date: | Wednesday, 10 May 2006 |
| Category: | Community Health |
| ADGP welcomes the announcement of a $250m package over five years to promote healthy lifestyles under the Australian Better Health Initiative. We understand that the Divisions of General Practice Network will play an important role in the delivery of this package to improve the health outcomes for people with identifiable health risks. We also believe that the Divisions will play an important role in the new patient self management programs to assist people living with chronic conditions. We welcome the announcement of an increase in spending on mental health services and illness prevention of $1.9billion over five years. In particular, we are pleased with the $51.7m package announced for mental health services in rural and remote areas to improve access, treatment and management of people with mental health problems. This investment will be an important adjunct to current programs such as Better Health Outcomes, and More Allied Health Services. Community-based, multidisciplinary mental health care that is accessible, affordable and tailored to meet personal needs is essential for improving the health and wellbeing of people living with mental illness. Increased funding for Lifescripts of $2.7million over the next four years to encourage uptake of the program is very welcome. “Lifestyle behaviours are the largest group of preventable risk factors for death and disease in Australia. Divisions and practices are embracing Lifescripts to help patients achieve healthier lifestyles and prevent chronic disease” said Ms Carnell. Funding of $39.5m over four years to improve access to quality primary health care services for Indigenous communities is pleasing. The Divisions can play a major role in developing the brokerage services to assist GPs and allied health professionals build their capacity to provide health services to Indigenous people. “It is encouraging that the Government is recognising that investing in primary care strategies to promote good health is well worth it. The pay off comes in the form of healthier communities overall and hospitals less burdened by patients needing treatment for preventable diseases.” ADGP and the Divisions Network looks forward to working with the Government in the months ahead to ensure the initiatives announced in tonight’s budget are delivered in a manner to achieve the best outcomes for the Australian community. |
|