The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) welcomes the Federal Government’s investment in preventive care to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO).
The 2023-24 MYEFO includes $1.1 million funding over two years for the RACGP’s Healthy Habits website, which assists GPs to support their patients to make healthy lifestyle choices.
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins said the investment would help Australians stay healthy and out of hospital.
“GPs help people live healthier and longer lives. Investing in general practice and preventive care is key to a healthier Australia and easing pressure on our overburdened hospitals and emergency departments,” she said.
“The funding for the RACGP’s Healthy Habits program is very welcome. It will help Australia’s GPs provide preventive care and support their patients to make healthy choices when it comes to food, physical activity, and sleep – which has a direct impact on peoples’ health and wellbeing.
“The extra funding for urgent care clinics is also an important announcement. While these clinics alone won’t solve the problem of Australia’s overflowing hospitals, they have the potential to improve access for patients in an emergency. Urgent care is a central part of general practice, and these services need to be adequately supported and integrated within primary care and the broader health system.
“It’s encouraging to see funding for the Workforce Incentive Program – Practice Stream to expand the list of health professionals in the program. While we need to see more detail, WIP funding is key to supporting multidisciplinary team care, which is part of the government’s national health reforms. This is about enabling GPs and health professionals to work together to get the best outcomes for their patients.”
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