As the federal election approaches, both major parties have committed to expanding telehealth services.
They have pledged $200 million each to enhance access to healthcare for Australians.
Labor’s plan, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, involves rebranding the existing Healthdirect service to “1800 MEDICARE”, offering free, 24/7 telehealth consultations with registered nurses and general practitioners.
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“At this election, Australia faces a clear choice: a stronger Medicare with more bulk billing and more free urgent care under Labor, or more cuts to Medicare under Peter Dutton‘s Liberals,” Albanese said.
This initiative aims to provide urgent care within a 20-minute drive for most Australians and reduce emergency department visits by 250,000 annually.
Additionally, Labor plans to deliver 18 million extra bulk-billed GP visits, targeting 90 per cent of GP consultations to be free by 2030.
In response, the Coalition has pledged to match Labor’s $200 million commitment, aiming to provide similar after-hours telehealth services.
However, the Coalition has criticised Labor’s proposal, labeling it a “rebadging” of existing policies.
“[It was] misleading for the prime minister to claim this is a new measure,” Opposition health spokesperson Anne Ruston said in a media statement.
“The prime minister should stop playing political games and focus on Australians’ health.”
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