The AMA has been calling on the Government to provide support for GPs in caring for COVID-19 positive patients and has been engaged in discussions with the Minister’s office and Department of Health over several weeks.
This includes necessary funding, the provision of pulse oximeters, the future role of GP Respiratory Clinics, support for home visits, and the development of local care pathways.
The AMA would work through the fine detail with the Government and Department of Health as it seeks to implement this new support package that addresses several issues raised in earlier discussions by the AMA.
Confirmation of the roll-out of the COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Program by the Government is also good news as this will ensure that vaccinated Australians can continue to enjoy high levels of protection against the virus and live relatively normal day-to-day lives.
General practice has been the backbone of the Government’s COVID-19 vaccination roll out with GPs playing a fundamental role in the achievement of world-leading vaccination rates, proactively reaching out to their patients as well as explaining the benefits of vaccination to unsure patients.
To encourage similarly high levels of take-up of boosters it will be critical for the Government to support GPs to take a very proactive approach to contact patients.
This sends out reminders and explains the benefits of getting a booster shot work that is not currently adequately funded under Medicare arrangements.
Source: Medindia
