MTAA Welcomes Butler's Ambitious Medicare Reforms
The Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) welcomes the Government’s commitment to improve access to primary care through a strengthened Medicare.
The announcement came during a press club address by the Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon. Mark Butler MP.
With almost half of Australians living with chronic and long-term health conditions, reform is essential to ensure Australians have access to better coordinated care – particularly for people living in regional and remote areas.
For these Australians, medical technology (MedTech) that transcends geographical boundaries to enable access to healthcare is vital.
MTAA CEO, Ian Burgess, said the Minister’s commitment to reform of primary care would help to improve health outcomes and relieve the strain on the hospital system.
“MedTech is playing an ever-increasing role in Australia’s ability as a nation to ensure Australians have access to world-class healthcare, regardless of where they live,” Mr Burgess said.
“It was important to hear the Minister recognising the medical innovations, including cardiac health, which are responsible for Australians living 9 years longer than before. As we enter a period of reform, we have the opportunity to ensure these outcomes are replicated widely across chronic disease.
“MedTech is at the heart of the Minister’s announcement, with commitments to lung cancer screening and setting a vision for a data-driven health system, which is only made possible thanks to the advancements and ongoing investment in technologies that detect disease earlier and saves lives.”
MTAA will continue to work with government and our health partners to ensure Australian patients are able to access these critical life-saving innovations.
