News
Spending Health Dollars For Better Outcomes |
| Spokesperson: | Senator Lyn Allison - Leader of the Australian Democrats |
| Date: | Thursday, 22 February 2007 |
| Category: | National Health News |
| The leader of the Australian Democrats, Senator Lyn Allison, will tell the Centre for Public Policy today what needs to be done to fix Australia’s healthcare. “Our health system is riddled with inefficiencies, duplication, cost shifting and buck-passing between the Commonwealth and States,” said Senator Allison. “The current focus on hospitals wastes money that should be spent on prevention and primary care. “Costs are also being pushed up by private health insurance incentives, an outdated MBS system that encourages expensive interventions, preventable mistakes and lack of research into non-pharmacological treatments. Outlining the reforms needed to more effectively use the health dollar, the Democrats called for: • A national dialogue on health care that develops a set of community expectations on health spending priorities. • More spending on preventive health (currently 2% of health budget) including a taskforce to reduce the estimated 40-50 percent of preventable premature deaths, particularly obesity related diabetes and heart disease, and cost/benefit advisers on treatment options • Electronic medical records to cut repeated tests, save time in collecting basic information and help reduce the mishaps put down to lack of information • A shift in public subsidies from private health insurers to providers health providers • Expansion of the roles of allied health providers, particularly midwives and nurses • Financial incentives and better technology to fix poor quality care and adverse events • Centres of excellence in treatment “This Government must move to meet the 21st century challenges in health care with initiatives that spend the health budget wisely and in ways that deliver the greatest benefit to the largest number,” concluded Senator Allison. Media contact – Trish Bolton 0408 056 167 |
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