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Make patients the priority, says Dr Hemley
Cutting funding to medical research will hurt researchers, patients and ordinary Australians, AMA Victoria President Dr Harry Hemley said today.
“The government should make patients the priority. Cutting funding for medical research will lead to the delay of life saving discoveries being delayed.”
Dr Hemley made his comments whilst attending today’s Rally for Research. “Researchers, doctors, patients and concerned Victorians gathered today to protest against these unnecessary funding cuts,” said Dr Hemley.
The rally was in response to reports that the Commonwealth is cutting funding by $400 million to the National Health and Medical Research Council.
“Australia has a proud record of achievement in health and medical research, and this must be maintained.
“Australian researchers pioneered discoveries such as the bionic ear, the cause of stomach ulcers and treatments for childhood leukaemia.
“The Government has funds available to invest in medical care and research. However, it has chosen not make them a priority and instead is allocating money to programs like Medicare Locals. A program that is not supported by the medical profession and whose form and function are still unknown.”
The Commonwealth has proposed to spend $477 million on Medicare Locals over the next four years.
“The Commonwealth should be funding scientists to find cures not bureaucrats to fill out forms for Medicare Locals.”
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