AUSTRALIA'S public hospitals are facing their lengthiest wait times on record for planned surgeries, with emergency departments struggling under access blockages, according to the latest annual Public Hospital Report Card by the Australian Medical Association (AMA).
AMA President Prof Steve Robson emphasised the urgency of the situation, calling for immediate action from Australian government health ministers.
Despite previous funding boosts and reforms to the National Hospital Funding Agreement, Robson stressed the need for further investment and collaboration among health ministers.
The report revealed a concerning trend: Australians now wait nearly twice as long for planned surgeries compared to two decades ago, with the proportion of individuals receiving timely category two surgeries, hitting a record low.
Prof Robson highlighted the seriousness of these delays, noting that such surgeries are essential and urgent for patients, and not elective or cosmetic.
In response to the findings, Prof Robson proposed a $4.12 billion plan to address the surgery backlog, to be shared between the federal government and states and territories.
Meanwhile, emergency departments are grappling with access blockages, with only 56% of patients completing their presentations within four hours, the lowest figure since 2011.
The AMA's report underscores the pressing need for immediate action to alleviate pressure on Australia's public healthcare system and ensure timely access to essential medical services. JG
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