Member Services
- Text Decrease
- Text Increase
- Print Page
Bendigo visit by AMA Victoria President
AMA Victoria President Dr Mark Yates has visited Bendigo as part of a rolling campaign to promote regional health issues.Dr Yates met with Bendigo doctors last night to hear local concerns and discuss AMA Victoria’s health priorities in the lead-up to the November state election.
Dr Yates said AMA Victoria’s pre-election document highlighted key areas where action can be taken now to make real improvements to the provision of healthcare in Victoria over the term of the next government.
“Improving regional and rural healthcare must be a priority. AMA Victoria is calling for a commitment by the political parties in the lead-up to the election to provide special packages to help retain and attract regional GPs and specialists and improve emergency services in country areas,” Dr Yates said
“Regional Victoria is growing faster in percentage terms than metropolitan Melbourne and yet health outcomes are worse. We know health outcomes are tied to access to health professionals which is why AMA Victoria’s rural and regional election policies must be a priority for all Victorian political parties.
“Doctors also want to see improvements to mental health services and better access to hospital specialists,” he said.
“Our state election policy document is about ensuring Victorians have timely and appropriate access to health services regardless of their geographical location or ability to pay.
“The gulf between the have and have nots is increasing and that must be addressed. The gulf is particularly obvious in people’s ability to access specialist services, critical care and for those trying to access medical services in rural and regional areas - this is why they have been focus areas for AMA Victoria.
“Health is an important platform in the lead-up to the State election and if the political parties are serious about improving the health system in Victoria they should be making a commitment to these proposals,” Dr Yates said.
With a theme of quality and equity, the key areas covered in the AMA Victoria document include:
• Rural and regional health services
• Mental Health
• Obesity
• Increasing doctor numbers; and
• Public hospital access.
Victorian Medical Directory
Quick Reference Links
Networks
Preferred Providers
Next
Prev