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May Budget Should Provide for the Health of Australians in Most Need - AMA

In its Federal Budget Submission 2005-06, the AMA is calling on the Government to fund policies and programs that will provide proper health care for Australians in most need.

The submission outlines the case for substantial funding for Indigenous Health, Mental Health, and a Long-Term Care Scheme for the severely disabled.

Releasing the submission in Canberra today, AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson, said the Government must make Indigenous Health its top health priority.

Dr Glasson said he wants to see the generosity of spirit shown by the Government and all Australians to the victims of the Asian tsunami and the Eyre Peninsula bushfires extended to look after the health of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders.

"The health and living conditions of many Indigenous Australians is at Third World level," Dr Glasson said.

"This is unacceptable in 21st century Australia.

"We need a Government-led coordinated response that encompasses health, education, clean water and sanitation, housing and diet that will assist Indigenous Australians reach a level of health the equal of other Australians," Dr Glasson said.

Dr Glasson said that mental health encompasses aspects of well-being that people are reluctant to talk about, including depression and stress.

"Mental health is a major issue for the Australian community, with 20 per cent of people aged 18 years and older meeting some criteria for a mental disorder," Dr Glasson said.

"As many as four per cent of the population experience severe mental disorders. We need to do more to help these people participate fully in community life."

The third pillar of the AMA's submission is a Long-Term Care Scheme for severely disabled people, including those disabled from medical accidents. The total call on the Budget from the AMA submission is $720 million in 2005-06 - Indigenous Health ($400 million), Mental Health ($200 million) and Long-Term care Scheme ($120 million).

Dr Glasson said it is too early to assess the effects of the Government's election promises on Medicare, the PBS, medical workforce, private health, and aged care.

"The AMA will monitor the implementation of these policies and their impact on patient access and affordability of health services outside the Budget context," Dr Glasson said.

27 January 2005

CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761

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