A shortage of GPs and medical clinics is reaching crisis point in Macarthur. Thousands of local residents do not have adequate access to doctors, MP Mike Freelander has told federal parliament.
He says the rapid population growth of the region has not been matched by an increase in doctors and clinics.
“This is in turn affected by the failure of the NSW Government to provide the infrastructure and services through NSW Health to match the rapid growth in residential dwellings,’’ Dr Freelander said.
In addition, the Federal Government is failing to provide support services, including funding and policy programs to help address this crisis.
The member for Macarthur said he had met with health minister Greg Hunt, health department officials and NSW Health, but very little had come from it.
“They are neglecting their duty to the people of Macarthur,’’ he said.
Dr Freelander says he has also spoken with local families, medical practitioners and clinicians about the shortages of GPs and the need for action.
“The health and wellbeing of Macarthur residents depends on improving the situation,’’ Dr Freelander said.
One of the medical practitioners he met with was Dr Ben Touma from the Emerald Hills Medical Centre.
Dr Touma told Dr Freelander that his two medical centres were not able to employ doctors who are qualified to work in the area due to the lack of support and assistance from the state and federal health departments.
“The health departments are not actively engaging with these medical centres to hear their concerns and expediting GP availabilities or incentives to work in this area,’’ Dr Freelander said.
“They also taking too long to activate GPs and get them out into our communities, which means that the current GPs in our region are being over worked and under funded.’’
Dr Freelander, who plans to continue to push for improvements in GP access in Macarthur, warns that Australia is at risk of developing an Americanised health system.
“A system where the wealthy can afford very good care but the poor and disadvantaged cannot access care,’’ he says.
“I’ve been contacted by other electorates with similar problems. We cannot have a two-tiered health system in Australia.
“Our nation has a proud history of having a strong and robust healthcare system that cares for all, regardless of income or age.’’
