Australian Medical Association

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, said the public hospital system was 'flat lining' and the COAG meeting next week may be its last hope for resuscitation.

"Our hospital report card confirms an urgent need for the federal government to properly fund our hospitals into the future so that lives are not at risk. We know that there are 1,500 unnecessary deaths in Australia due to overcrowding in public hospitals," Dr Capolingua said.

Tasmanian medical graduates are being forced interstate to find work due to a shortage of local intern training places, the Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) said today.

AMA: GP training places - just what the doctor ordered

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, today warmly welcomed funding of an extra 75 training places for general practitioners announced today by the Federal Government.

"The funding commitment for 75 first year places in 2009 and an extra 100 places in 2010 will help boost GP numbers," she said.

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, today called on the Government to immediately lift the cap on general practice training places, after it was revealed that more than 200 would-be GPs will be turned away.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported today that patients' access to GPs in Australia has fallen since 2002. Dr Capolingua said patients are telling doctors it is becoming more difficult to get an appointment.

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, today said international studies prove that ensuring general practitioners remain at the centre of primary health care keeps patients well and saves lives.

Launching the AMA blueprint for the delivery of primary health care services in Australia, General Practice in Primary Care: Responding to Patient Needs, Dr Capolingua said research highlighted in the document busts the primary health care myths that have been encouraged to bloom.

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, today said indications that the Commonwealth Government is backing away from mental health have set alarm bells ringing.

"People with mental illnesses and their families deserve Federal Government support and commitment - this is not the time to abandon an intense focus on mental health," Dr Capolingua said.

Intervention, investment and improvement in mental health services are required from all levels of government, she said.

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, today welcomed a $5 billion injection of funds for hospital equipment and infrastructure, and urged the Government to make a similar commitment to funding more hospital beds.

"This is a huge, much-needed boost to hospital funding, and a great catch-up for hospitals and emergency departments around the nation," Dr Capolingua said.

"New equipment and upgraded emergency departments are absolutely necessary.

Date released: 19 October 2008

AMA backs measure up campaign AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, commended the government on the launch of its 'measure up' campaign.

The campaign, which was launched today, is aimed at helping people understand the health risks posed by carrying excessive weight.

"We are pleased to see the government is highlighting this important indicator. It is also vital people understand they need to see a doctor to be advised on not only the cause, but the management of the issue.

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, today called on the Federal Government to increase Medicare rebates for patients to reflect the real costs involved in delivering quality health care.

"Medicare patient rebates have not kept pace with inflation," Dr Capolingua said.

"In fact, they have gone up by an average of just 2.1 per cent in recent years, and that figure is lower if you take into account the Government's fee freezing in pathology and elsewhere.

"This is unfair to patients, who are also struggling with the rising cost of living."