THE Royal Australian College of GPs is calling for dedicated funding for practice-based pharmacists to improve access to care and affordability in its Pre-Budget Submission 2024-25 to the Australian Govt, amid widespread evidence that Aussies are delaying essential care due to financial concerns.
The national medical body's recommendations include funding for universal annual children's health checks for the first 2,000 days; support for practices to grow their teams and employ other health professionals to improve care and access for patients by increasing incentives and dedicated funding for a practice-based pharmacist; new funding to support coordinated care for older Australians requiring complex care; funding for patients to see their GP within seven days of an unplanned hospital visit; and a 20% increase in patients' Medicare rebates for longer consultations and extra support for rural patients as well as in patient rebates for GP mental health consultations.
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