Booking in a doctor’s appointment has never been more difficult or expensive, especially in regional Queensland, according to Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox.
Willcox has called out the Albanese Government, arguing that low Medicare rebates are causing GPs to abandon bulk billing, leaving patients to bear skyrocketing out-of-pocket costs.
With doctor shortages worsening and medical centres struggling to stay open, he warns that urgent action is needed to prevent further strain on communities.
Mr Willcox said “Medicare bulk billing rates have dropped by 11 percent and the average out of pocket cost to see a Doctor has skyrocketed by 45 percent which is simply not good enough.
“An elected Dutton Coalition Government will invest an historic $9 billion into Medicare to fix Labor’s healthcare crisis.
“This investment builds on the $500 million commitment already announced by the Coalition to restore critical Medicare funding for mental health support, after it was slashed in half by the Albanese Government.
“The Coalition welcomes the Albanese Government’s decision to finally listen to our calls to address the health workforce crisis with a comprehensive package of training measures.
“It has been no surprise that the Coalition has led the way with our $400 million plan to grow a strong pipeline of GP’s, which will provide junior doctors who choose to train as a GP in the community with financial incentives, assistance with leave entitlements and training support.”
“I have seen first hand medical centres being forced to close such as the centre in Bowen because of a major doctor shortages, resulting in patients having to travel long distances to find another GP.”
“I have visited Murroona Gardens Aged Care facility on a number of occasions and they simply don’t have access to doctors due to these shortages, to care for residents.
“The Coalition has a strong record on health and we have a plan go get Australia back on track and fix Labor’s healthcare mess.”
Opinion Piece, submitted by Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox
Andrew Willcox calls for urgent action to fix Australia's healthcare crisis, highlighting rising costs, doctor shortages, and the Coalition's $9 billion plan to restore Medicare funding. Photos supplied
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