COMPLEMENTARY medicines Australia (CMA) said it has been "heartened" by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's comment made at the National Press Club this week that the Australian Government would implement "in 2017, a new focus on preventive health."
"CMA has long called for a change in health focus from supporting an ailing and expensive illness model to a wellness model that empowers Australians to take a new approach to healthcare; an approach that promotes well-being," said CMA ceo Carl Gibson.
"Current health policy in Australia is still focused on the treatment of people after they become unwell, resulting in vast social and economic costs associated with chronic disease."
Gibson went on to argue that the illness model was costly in both dollars and in terms of the impact on productivity and quality of life.
"Preventive health is an essential move towards improving the cost-effectiveness of the Australian healthcare system and alleviating pressure on the Government's health budget."
"As the peak industry body in Australia for vitamins, minerals and supplements - known as complementary medicines -- our members and industry associates are leaders in preventive health.
Gibson concluded his argument by highlighting that the use and further development of complementary medicines provided an opportunity to "counteract spiralling health care costs through more effective disease prevention and preventable chronic disease management".
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