The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) strongly supports the Government’s $220m funding into general practice grants for digital health and infection prevention, but warns that without accessibility measures for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and rural and remote GPs, the funding may only serve to widen current health disparities.

“With rural and remote communities continuing to face the greatest deficits in access to quality and longitudinal primary healthcare across Australia, it is imperative that any funding in the sector comprehensively addresses their needs,” said Khue Le, Chair of AMSA Rural.

“Despite the desire, modernising general practice continues to be financially untenable in many rural and remote locations due to chronic funding deficits, resulting in rural communities facing under-resourced and ageing medical facilities or being forced to endure extensive travel and wait time as rural clinics continue to close down,” added Ms Le.

“The $220m investment in general practice will be a critical opportunity for rural primary care centres to optimise their digital capabilities including telehealth models which allow patients to access comprehensive care and integration with specialist and allied health services,” said Oliver Little, Vice Chair External of AMSA Rural.

“Access to new technologies including point of care ultrasounds, as well as clinical management software such as digital referrals, results and communication with other health services will ensure improved access to diagnostics, patient follow up, and multidisciplinary care whilst reducing the financial burden on rural practices and communities,” added Mr Little.

“AMSA strongly urges the Department of Health to consult with stakeholders in rural and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health to develop a grant application process that is accessible and equitable for rural practices and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs),” said Tish Sivagnanan, President of AMSA.

AMSA is the peak representative body for Australia’s 18,000 medical students. AMSA Rural represents rural origin students, rural clinical school students and advocates on equitable and accessibility health outcomes regional, rural and remote communities across Australia.