Fed: Commission to urge federal takeover of health - report

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2009
Fed: Commission to urge federal takeover of health - report

SYDNEY, Feb 16 AAP - The health reform commission is recommending Canberra take over
key aspects of the nation's health system from the states.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd appointed the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission
to review the health system after taking office a year ago.

In its draft report, to be released on Monday, the commission says the federal government
will not be able to lift standards unless it takes control of key elements such as advisory
services in maternal, child and sexual health, as well as pharmacy, physiotherapy, podiatry,
dentistry and school health, The Australian reports.

The commission recommended greater emphasis on primary healthcare, and also urged the
creation of one-stop health shops, where patients can access general practitioners, chemists,
diagnostic services and allied health professionals in the one place.

"The commission proposes that the commonwealth would have responsibility for all primary
healthcare policy and funding," the report says.

"The aim is to provide national leadership for transforming, strengthening and integrating
primary healthcare."

AAP kd/rs

KEYWORD: HOSPITALS

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