We need wound support?
March 30, 2012
AUSTRALIA needs an Essential Care List scheme which would
ensure that sub-acute medical
products are available to patients,
according to the Medical Technology
Association of Australia (MTAA).
The calls coincide with Wound
Awareness Week (28 March - 05
April), with the MTAA pushing for
an equitable, transparent, and
affordable system which would
allow increased care in the home.
“Many essential care products are
funded in other countries, however,
there is no coordinated funding
system in place in Australia due to
complex Federal, State and
Territory based schemes,” a
statement from MTAA said.
Speaking about the need for an
Essential Care List scheme MTAA’s
Chief Executive Officer, Anne
Trimmer, said that whilst there are
a wide range of sub-acute medical
products that can help Australians
to stay in their homes and enjoy
better quality of life through better
management of health issues,
there is disparate funding and
support for these products.
“Bringing all schemes under one
umbrella via the Essential Care List
will ensure a coordinated approach
for healthcare professionals and
greater access and cost savings for
patients,” she said.
“Australia’s growing population of
both elderly and chronically ill
people drives the imperative need
for government to review, and
invest in, solutions that improve
self-care and enable those who are
capable of doing so, to remain in
their homes,” the MTAA said.
According to the MTAA an
Essential Care List scheme will not
only improve patient care, but it
will provide the Government with
immediate cost savings of $73
million through the integration of
existing schemes, and an overall
saving of $250m each year (the
cost of avoidable hospital
admissions).
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 30 Mar 12To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 30 Mar 12
