City
Epaper

Australia's doctors call for overhaul of 'sick care' system

By IANS | Updated: June 14, 2023 15:15 IST

Canberra, June 14 Australia's peak doctors' body on Wednesday called for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation's healthcare ...

Open in App

Canberra, June 14 Australia's peak doctors' body on Wednesday called for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation's healthcare system to place greater emphasis on preventative care.

In a speech to the National Press Club on Wednesday, Australian Medical Association (AMA) president Steve Robson said that leaders must reconsider how they think about healthcare investment, reports Xinhua news agency.

He described the current system as one of "sick care" rather than one focused on keeping Austral well, increasing pressure on hospitals.

According to Robson, a significant boost in spending on preventative care would reap in benefits for the economy.

The speech coincided with the release of a new AMA report showing that public hospital elective surgery waiting lists cost the Australian economy A$4.6 billion ($3.1 billion) annually.

The report highlights the growing rate of chronic disease, with almost half the population in the country having one or more chronic diseases and an aging population that is putting the healthcare system under increasing pressure.

"As the AMA analysis uncovered, we currently have hundreds of thousands of people waiting too long for elective surgery, people waiting too long in emergency departments and general practices struggling to survive," Robson said in a statement.

"While it's true that investment is needed to tackle these issues, we can also improve efficiency, improve access to care and the quality of care."

The AMA report said that addressing hospital exit block could save A$2 billion per year, and modelling estimated that a tax on sugary drinks, which it has long campaigned for, would result in 16,000 fewer cases of type 2 diabetes, 4,400 fewer cases of heart disease, and 1,100 fewer cases of stroke.

"We need to reframe our thinking and focus more on how the money we invest in healthcare can improve health outcomes and support economic growth," Robson said.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

Tags: National Press ClubAustralian medical associationSteve robsonaustraliaMarie Claire AustraliaCricket AustraliaAdani AustraliaAustralian Federal PoliceCanberraAustralian Labour PartyAustralian National UniversityWestern AustraliaAustralian Broadcasting Corporation
Open in App

Related Stories

CricketMitchell Starc Retires: Australian Fast Bowler Announces T20I Exit, Says 'Best Way Forward'

InternationalAustralia Shooting: Two Police Officers Killed, One Injured in Porepunkah; Town on Lockdown

MumbaiMumbai: Police Register Case Against Man for Cyberstalking and Blackmailing 23-Year-Old Student in Australia

MumbaiMumbai Shocker: Fake Account in Mother’s Name Used to Blackmail Young Woman in Australia, Case Registered

Social ViralAustralia: Meteor Lights Up Skies Over Victoria; Residents Describe ‘Sonic Boom’ (Watch)

Health Realted Stories

HealthGST revamp to enhance mobility, promote healthier lifestyles for youth

HealthIndian researchers earn 3 patents in assistive technologies for differently-abled

Health6 Hidden Deficiencies and Conditions That Make You Feel Cold Constantly

HealthThousands join 'Run for Her' in Ahmedabad to celebrate women’s entrepreneurship, fitness

HealthHow To Protect Your Health from Junk Food Damage with Simple Detox Drinks