Australian Health Promotion Association, ACT Branch
30 April 2010
WHERE IS PREVENTION?
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Branch of the Australian Health Promotion Association (AHPA) is concerned that prevention is taking backstage in the Australian Governments’ health reform plan. "Hospitals are an important part of the health system, but preventive health approaches can keep people healthier for longer. They also relieve the burden on hospitals" says AHPA ACT President Tania Hanzar. Her comments follow a consultative meeting with the Hon Mark Butler MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Health, and several other consumer and healthcare organisations in Canberra this Thursday. "AHPA ACT commends Mr Butler and Minister Roxon on their efforts to reform the Australian health system. This week, we sought to remind him that less than 2 per cent of the health budget goes to prevention. "That is meagre, particularly when 70 per cent of the disease burden comes from preventable conditions like heart disease and diabetes" added Ms Hanzar. AHPA ACT raised concerns at the consultation about the proposed funding model, which funds outputs delivered by health service providers. Prevention is not rewarded in this model because services would be increased, not decreased. "The current funding model seems to encourage a competitive approach to health care, not a collaborative one. This could disadvantage the ACT, because 35 per cent of our health care services are delivered to people from New South Wales (NSW). Where then are the incentives for the ACT and NSW governments to increase their investment in prevention?" asked Ms Hanzar. "Health is not just about hospitals. We need comprehensive reform that goes beyond funding. "If people have more control over the factors influencing their health they will stay healthier for longer, reducing the need to access hospitals in the first place."
MEDIA CONTACTS
Tania Hanzar
President ACT Branch, AHPA
0418 901 082
Ian White
Vice President ACT Branch, AHPA
02 6232 3826
0418 389 671
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