Sarah Courtney,Minister for Health
The health, safety and wellbeing of Tasmanians is our number one priority as we face the challenges of the coronavirus outbreak.
I am pleased to announce that our new Primary Health Care Grants are now open for applications through the Business Tasmania website.
The Tasmanian Government is investing $5 million to support our primary healthcare sector to ensure GPs and pharmacists are supported so they can continue providing essential primary health services to their local communities as we continue to battle COVID-19.
The grants are part of the record $985 million Support and Stimulus Package, where GPs and Pharmacists will be able to apply for grants to support the purchasing of necessary equipment, minor capital works and ICT, workforce and other items to support them to continue to deliver primary health services during the coronavirus pandemic.
Given the significant impact the unfolding COVID-19 situation is having on all Tasmanian businesses, and none more so than our front line primary health care service providers, the $10,000 grants will go a long way in assisting more than 300 GPs and local pharmacies through this difficult time.
These support measures are in addition to the Australian Government’s actions to promote telehealth services through expanded Medicare subsidies, and providing extra incentives for GPs and other health practitioners to continue to provide essential primary health services to our communities.
We know that our primary health workers are critical in the fight against COVID-19, which is why we are committed to supporting them to continue to take pressure off our hospitals and emergency departments by continuing to provide essential primary care in our local communities.
Applications and more information is available at www.business.tas.gov.au or by calling (03) 6166 1075.
