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July 01, 2007
Why is health on the backburner in this federal election. Is it because Australian's have a really good healthcare system? Is it because of bipartisan consensus on health? Is it because Tony Abbott has effectively neutralized health as a political issue? Is it because the ALP has little to say because it has run out of ideas after Medicare Gold was relegated to the historical bin? Is the concern about a two tiered health system lessening?
There is a consensus that the federal government should provide support to all Australians through Medicare and the pharmaceutical benefits scheme; that taxpayers should subsidize private health insurance and that the management of public hospitals should be left to the states.
Health has fallen off the political agenda, even as prevention becomes the new buzz word in health policy. Little is said about doctors being wined and dined by drug companies under "educational" events, and the way GP's are corrupted by these practices.
Does the ALP have a health policy? Not really. Medicare Gold has been pushed to one side. There have been vague commitments about improving relations with the states, reintroducing the commonwealth dental scheme and addressing the prevention of chronic illness. Labor has lost its leader in the Australian health policy debate by default.
Last week Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd did release Labor's health policy entitled "Fresh ideas and future economy", it focused on preventive health care. Rudd Labor is aware that the cost of providing health care and the cost of rising demand for health care is expected to spiral--- the commonwealth Government spending on health care will increase from 3.8 per cent of GDP in 2006-07 to 7.3 per cent in 2046-47 and that poor health adversely affects work performance and productivity.
Rudd Labor argues that the best way to equip our health system to deal with the challenges of the future is to end the blame game and re-invigorate the role of the primary care system – the front line of the health system which provides health care to local communities. So it will:
Develop a National Preventative Health Strategy to provide a blueprint for tackling the burden of chronic disease currently caused by obesity, tobacco, and excessive consumption of alcohol. The Strategy will be supported by an expert Taskforce.
Shift the focus from so-called “six minute medicine” in general practice by beginning a reform process to provide incentives for GPs to practice quality preventative health care;
Broaden the focus of the major health care agreement between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories beyond hospital funding by developing a National Preventative Health Care Partnership; and
In its first term, commission the Treasury to produce a series of definitive reports on the impact of chronic disease on the Australian economy, and the economic benefits of a greater focus on prevention in health care.
This sounds good but there is not enough detail to pass judgement.
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I wonder if there is a general acceptance in Australia now that if you have private health insurance you get good health care and if you haven't you get something less. But it is strange that it isn't really up there. Perhaps it will be highlighted more as we get closer to the election. When Dr Death is extradited it will be in the news a bit for a while.