AMA releases health policy platform
Key Health Issues for the 2010 Federal Election
The AMA today released Key Health Issues for the 2010 Federal Election - a summary of the major health issues that the AMA considers must be addressed by the major parties during the election campaign.
Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra today, AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said the AMA’s health policies are comprehensive, pragmatic and achievable.
“They build on what works and suggest ways to improve what doesn’t, and they take the system forward without disruption.
“They have the added benefit of working well locally.
“This is something that aspiring MPs – and aspiring PMs – should work with.
“Our policy platform assumes that investing in the health care of the Australian population is not only a social obligation; it is also an investment in the productivity of the nation.
“It calls for the political parties to be open and honest with the community.
“It calls for them to acknowledge that real progress for the health system requires more than a re-jigging of what we have now to solve the demand pressures and improve access to the services that people need,” Dr Pesce said.
Key Health Issues for the 2010 Federal Election covers:
- General Practice;
- More time With the Doctor: Chronic Disease Management;
- Indigenous Health;
- Public Hospitals;
- Health Financing – including dental care;
- Workforce and training;
- Mental Health;
- Aged care;
- Rural Health;
- E-health;
- Priorities for Prevention;
- Climate Change and Health;
- Research; and
- Long-Term Care.
The full document is available on the AMA website at www.ama.com.au/keyhealthissues
21 July 2010
CONTACT: John Flannery 02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761
Geraldine Kurukchi 02 6270 5467 / 0427 209 753
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