The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) acknowledges the Government’s ongoing commitment to support rural healthcare initiatives in the 2021 Federal Budget.
The College particularly welcomes recognition that rural and remote General Practitioners (GPs) and Rural Generalists (RGs) face a greater number of challenges, including increased responsibilities which come from working in isolated communities, dealing with higher rates of chronic disease, having more complex caseloads and high cost structures.
ACRRM President Dr Sarah Chalmers says: “We hope that this recognition will pave the way for ongoing incentive and support programs which acknowledge these factors.
“Earlier this week, we acknowledged the introduction of the $65.8 million Rural Bulk Billing Incentive (RBBI) which is another step in the right direction for attraction and retention of rural GPs and RGs. “We also recognise the commitment to implement the National Rural Generalist Pathway and support the ACRRM Fellowship Program.
“The College is encouraged by the increasing interest in rural generalism as a career path and its positive potential to contribute to addressing the workforce maldistribution.
“We will be interested to hear more detail on the proposed realignment of the John Flynn Placement Program with the Rural Junior Doctors in Training Initiative Fund and on plans to streamline the Rural Procedural Grants and PIP procedural programs. “It is important that the design and administration of these new programs is undertaken in consultation with key stakeholders including ACRRM.
“We also note announcements of significant funding allocations for aged care, including $630.2 million to improve access to quality aged care services for people in regional, rural and remote areas, and a commitment to develop a national network of mental health treatment centres which will address service gaps in regional and rural areas.
“Funding to continue MBS-subsidised telehealth services is also welcomed by the College.
“We acknowledge telehealth it is a vital tool which can be used to assist in the delivery of healthcare to people who live in rural and remote communities. "While welcoming this funding, we also call for improvements in connectivity for rural and remote communities so that General Practitioners and their patients can have access to both telephone and video consulting.
“COVID-19 continues to impact rural and remote communities and we note the Budget provides ongoing investment in COVID-19 response and vaccine rollout, with associated funding allocations for the continuation of GP respiratory clinics and telehealth initiatives. “This is recognition for the important role general practice and the primary care sector plays in the COVID-19 response.
“I will continue to work with the College to further dissect the Budget and determine its impact on our members and our communities.
“Overall, it’s encouraging to see rural and remote communities are on the government’s agenda and the work of rural GPs and RGs is being recognised,” Dr Chalmers says.
The College particularly welcomes recognition that rural and remote General Practitioners (GPs) and Rural Generalists (RGs) face a greater number of challenges, including increased responsibilities which come from working in isolated communities, dealing with higher rates of chronic disease, having more complex caseloads and high cost structures.
ACRRM President Dr Sarah Chalmers says: “We hope that this recognition will pave the way for ongoing incentive and support programs which acknowledge these factors.
“Earlier this week, we acknowledged the introduction of the $65.8 million Rural Bulk Billing Incentive (RBBI) which is another step in the right direction for attraction and retention of rural GPs and RGs. “We also recognise the commitment to implement the National Rural Generalist Pathway and support the ACRRM Fellowship Program.
“The College is encouraged by the increasing interest in rural generalism as a career path and its positive potential to contribute to addressing the workforce maldistribution.
“We will be interested to hear more detail on the proposed realignment of the John Flynn Placement Program with the Rural Junior Doctors in Training Initiative Fund and on plans to streamline the Rural Procedural Grants and PIP procedural programs. “It is important that the design and administration of these new programs is undertaken in consultation with key stakeholders including ACRRM.
“We also note announcements of significant funding allocations for aged care, including $630.2 million to improve access to quality aged care services for people in regional, rural and remote areas, and a commitment to develop a national network of mental health treatment centres which will address service gaps in regional and rural areas.
“Funding to continue MBS-subsidised telehealth services is also welcomed by the College.
“We acknowledge telehealth it is a vital tool which can be used to assist in the delivery of healthcare to people who live in rural and remote communities. "While welcoming this funding, we also call for improvements in connectivity for rural and remote communities so that General Practitioners and their patients can have access to both telephone and video consulting.
“COVID-19 continues to impact rural and remote communities and we note the Budget provides ongoing investment in COVID-19 response and vaccine rollout, with associated funding allocations for the continuation of GP respiratory clinics and telehealth initiatives. “This is recognition for the important role general practice and the primary care sector plays in the COVID-19 response.
“I will continue to work with the College to further dissect the Budget and determine its impact on our members and our communities.
“Overall, it’s encouraging to see rural and remote communities are on the government’s agenda and the work of rural GPs and RGs is being recognised,” Dr Chalmers says.