Catholic Health Australia has welcomed the announcement of a new public hospital funding agreement, including an additional $25 billion in Commonwealth funding over five years to help address growing pressure across the health system.
The nation’s leaders met in Sydney at a National Cabinet meeting on Friday morning, finally securing a deal on a new five-year funding agreement for public hospitals, ABC News reported.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the extra $25 billion was part of a record almost $220 billion the Commonwealth would provide the states over the next five years.
“We’ve reached a landmark agreement to deliver record funding to state and territory hospitals, but also secure the future of the National Disability Insurance Scheme,” he said.
“The agreement represents one of the most significant national reforms in living memory. These reforms will ensure Australians continue to access world-class healthcare as well as disability support.”
CHA said the Albanese Government’s commitment represents a significant and necessary step toward strengthening public hospitals as they face rising demand, workforce shortages and increasingly complex care needs.
“Public hospitals are under significant and growing pressure, and [Friday’s] agreement acknowledges the urgency of the task ahead,” CHA director of health policy Katharine Bassett said.
“CHA has consistently called for increased public hospital funding to better meet community need, support the workforce, and ensure patients receive timely care. This investment is an important step in the right direction,” Dr Bassett said.
CHA is calling on state governments to reduce their burgeoning hospital waitlists by using private hospitals that have excess capacity.
FULL STORY
Catholic Health Australia welcomes public hospital funding boost (CHA)
Government lands last-minute hospital funding deal with states (By Stephanie Dalzell, ABC News)
