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Resuscitation of taxi program welcomed
AMA Victoria President and Geriatrician, Dr Mark Yates today welcomed the State Government’s announcement to increase the cap for users of the Multi Purpose Taxi Program, but said there was still room for improvement.
Dr Yates said that the program was extremely important for the elderly and disabled who relied on the subsidised taxis to maintain social contact and access health and community services.
Dr Yates said the annual cap of $565 and restrictive definitions imposed by the government in 2003 were harsh, excluding many frail and less-able people and forcing many others to go through complex and lengthy processes to prove their need for an increase to their subsidy.
“This issue has been a priority for AMA Victoria since the changes in 2003. This outcome is a sign that the government is prepared to listen and is moving to resuscitate the program,
“Whilst the increase annual cap for Multi Purpose Taxi users will provide only one additional return trip a week and even less than that for eligible suburban and rural people, AMA Victoria is pleased to see this move in the right direction for people who do not have access to the community by any other means,” Dr Yates said.
Dr Yates said that whilst some specific conditions were not subject to a cap, persisting limitations in the eligibility definitions meant the needs of the very frail, particularly those with severe arthritis needed to be addressed.
“There are still many frail people with severe disabilities who will not be eligible for the program.
“More consultation between the government and the medical profession to establish functional definitions is required in order to assist this disadvantaged group,” Dr Yates said.
“It is important to encourage everyone, including the elderly and disabled, to be active and connected to their community, as promoted by the government’s “Go For Your Life” campaign,” Dr Yates said.
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