The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has called for urgent reforms to improve access to GP services across Victoria ahead of the upcoming state election.
In a statement to media the RACGP asked the next state government to introduce changes in four areas: ensuring there are enough GPs in every postcode; supporting GP by supporting GPs to relocate to rural and remote communities; funding extended GP consultation for people transitioning from hospital care to the community; and supporting GP mental health and wellbeing.
RACGP spokesperson and Geelong GP Dr Bernard Shiu said governments needed to take responsibility for healthcare to forestall a projected lack of GPs outside of metropolitan areas.
“We’re facing a big crisis, where in the next five to 10 years many older GPs will retire and we won’t have the new generation to cover the gap,” Dr Shiu said.
“Only 13 percent of medical students are willing to go into general practice, when in actual fact we need around 50 percent to do so.
“If the government is willing to make a difference we will be able to help, but we need them to fund grants, programs so GPs can train and work in regional areas.”
Dr Shiu said GPs were facing a combination of both unprecedented financial pressures and highest-ever levels of demand.
“For many, many years the federal government’s Medicare rebate has not kept up with increasing inflation and costs,” Dr Shiu said.
“The AMA suggests a 15-minute consultation with a GP should be in the range of $86-90. But the government is only giving us $39.75, which is a huge gap. Who is bearing the costs? It’s the GPs, but many are finding it very hard. Many GP clinics are starting to crumble, some are not surviving.
“We don’t want our colleagues to start cutting corners, not paying staff appropriately or not doing things safely. We want them to be able to give patients comprehensive, high-quality care.
“At the moment, the only way we can do that is to start charging a little bit from the patient. And that’s why you’re seeing less and less universal bulk-billing clinics.”
Dr Shiu said this was a chance for politicians to stop the rot before more Victorians suffered the effects of the GP crisis.
“We’re advocating these points ahead of the state election to get the message out,” Dr Shiu said.
“Hopefully whoever gets into office will be able to help us. We’re grassroots doctors; I don’t drive a Ferrari or live in a mansion. All I want is you and I, our families, to get the proper care.”
