THE Federal budget needed to have a greater focus on the health sector to ensure preparedness for a future pandemic.
That was the view of Northern District Community Health (NDCH) CEO Mandy Hutchinson, who said while some health measures were pleasing, the budget fell short of delivering in a number of key areas.
“My concern is it doesn’t feel like there’s a long-term commitment to health in the budget, which given the nature of the crisis we’ve been through is a bit disappointing,” Ms Hutchinson said.
Ms Hutchinson said she understood the Morrison Government’s heavy focus on infrastructure in the budget, given the need to create jobs, lift community confidence and get the economy back on track.
“But we need a robust health system so that we can learn from the experience of this pandemic and invest more in research and in our capabilities to respond to this moving forward,” Ms Hutchinson said.
That includes ensuring Australia has the skills, technicians and health experts to address future pandemics.
A significant concern is the need to address the impact of COVID-19 precautions on people suffering from chronic health issues.
“They haven’t been seeking help because it’s been harder to go and visit your doctor and we’re going to need resources to be able to support people who are probably going to be more progressed in their chronic disease than they normally would be because of COVID,” Ms Hutchinson said.
She said while there were some programs in place to help such people, they wouldn’t be sufficient to cope with the expected level of growth in chronic disease.
Ms Hutchinson welcomed several positive health items in the budget, including a six month extension of subsidised telehealth sessions.
The CEO said that although some patients require face-to-face attention, the telehealth system had worked well for NDCH GPs and those patients whose needs can be met remotely.
Ms Hutchinson said $26.9 million in funding to establish 15 extra mental health clinics in Victoria, one of which has already opened in Bendigo, was a further positive, along with increased funding for domestic violence services.
