AMA welcomes Government’s delivery of $220 million General Practice Grants
The AMA welcomes the federal government’s announcement today that GPs will soon be able to apply for grants under the $220 million Strengthening Medicare – General Practice Grants Program.
AMA President Professor Steve Robson said the AMA welcomed the next stage in the previously announced Labor Party election commitment to provide grants of up to $50,000 for GPs to upgrade their digital health capability, upgrade infection and control arrangements and meet accreditation standards.
“We will be encouraging our GP members to closely look at the opportunities provided by the grants and apply if they believe they can assist them in helping meet the needs of their patients,” Professor Robson said.
Professor Robson thanked the government for delivering on the election commitment and said all eyes were now on the federal budget on Tuesday 9 May and announcements to improve patient access to GPs and make primary care more affordable for patients.
The government had previously set aside $750 million for its Strengthening Medicare Fund to be spent over three years.
“Today’s announcement on grants is a welcome first step in securing the longer-term funding increases needed for general practice and we thank the government for them,” Professor Robson said.
“We now turn our focus to next month’s budget to see concrete measures to boost general practice, which is the cornerstone of our national healthcare system.
“The AMA is calling for additional, targeted investment in Medicare to improve access to GPs for our most vulnerable communities.
“Proper investment in primary care and general practice would improve the health, security and well-being of all Australians. We are looking forward to the federal government delivering in this budget what the nation desperately needs — that is decent health services, starting with general practice.”
