The latest report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare demonstrates the success of Australia’s health system against other OECD countries.
“There will always be areas for improvement and efficiencies, but by all international comparisons Australia gets good outcomes and good value for money from our health system,” Shadow Minister for Health Catherine King said.
“The consistent attacks on Medicare by the Abbott government are not supported by the facts.”
The report found that by OECD standards avoidable admission rates for diabetes were equal to or better than the average, and that Australia’s death rate following hospital admissions for heart attacks was better than the OECD average. Australia is also doing well in survival rates for certain cancers.
“But the report shows why it’s so important Australia properly invests in primary care. Australia needs to improve the number of people being admitted to hospital with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and mortality rates for ischaemic stroke.”
“Both asthma and COPD can be effectively managed in the primary care setting by GPs. This translates not only to health improvements and better quality of life for patients, but savings from keeping patients out of hospital. Prevention of the risk factors leading to stroke is also something GPs are best placed to do.”
“This report just adds further to the evidence that stand in direct opposition to the Government’s attacks on Medicare. We want people going to the GP to manage their existing conditions, and we especially want them going to the GP before they develop new conditions.”
“The Abbott Government’s plans for health are twisted, regressive and will hurt not only the physical health of Australian’s but their financial health too.”