The Albanese government has undoubtedly taken a strong stance in placing the demand for healthcare services at the top of the national agenda.
Whether it be one’s choice to take up private health insurance or visit a GP for a consultation funded by Medicare, the average Australian chooses to invest their time and money in health as an essential need.
Yes, health—broadly speaking—should and must be viewed as paramount.
The consumer is at the forefront of the healthcare system and actively utilises services.
For example, in the emergency department of a public hospital, the quality of care provided is dictated by the resources available, which in turn shape the overall patient experience.
In a private hospital setting, funding comes from insurers, and the delivery of healthcare is, in most respects, similar to that of the public sector.
However, challenges may arise when frontline services are not managed efficiently or when healthcare professionals are limited in their skillsets.
The Australian Government is aware of these issues and, in good faith, will allocate funding to those who can least afford to access healthcare.
The flip side is that when rising health costs negatively impact economic growth, funding may be reduced—hurting the most vulnerable.
So, who is at risk?
A patient in need of an urgent MRI may currently receive it within a short waiting period.
This exemplifies the expectations we’ve developed in a country like ours, where a healthy economy supports a responsive healthcare system.
Hence, moving forward, Australians must bear the brunt of taxes with the understanding that, for many, healthcare is critical to wellbeing.
The demand for health support services is being met—but what lies ahead?
Cost-of-living pressures will ease for all Australians when healthcare remains the government’s primary focus, as Labor has vowed.
If at any stage this stable and sound healthcare system begins to strain economic growth, consumers will still continue to see healthcare as a vital part of daily life—non-negotiable for the majority.
We’ve endured a pandemic. Now it is time to move forward with better practices suited to modern times.
Our country is capable of driving healthcare in the right direction.
A vigorous approach is already evident.
Our public health system has given thousands hope that both now and into the future, Australian healthcare will stand and deliver.
In summary, as proposed by the Labor government, healthcare in Australia will not fail its people.
There is confidence in what we receive, and we can rest assured—it is rock solid.
