Medicare Local eHealth funding welcomed

Reference: http://www.psa.org.au/archives/10656

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21 May 2012

The Federal Government’s announcement of $50 million for the Medicare Local Network to assist health care providers adopt and use the Government’s new eHealth records system has been welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

PSA National President Grant Kardachi said that PSA has been a strong supporter of the development and implementation of national eHealth initiatives and has been closely involved in providing constructive input to National eHealth Transition Authority (NEHTA) via its representatives on key committees and through submissions and consultations.

“This funding is a positive sign that eHealth, one of the missing links in enabling collaborative primary health-care teams, including pharmacists, to work effectively together to improve the wellbeing of all Australians, is about to happen,” Mr Kardachi said.

“The Minister’s announcement underlines the Government’s intention to use Medicare Locals as a linchpin for the provision of coordinated primary care.

“This funding will help to ensure delivery of a system that will give pharmacists access to essential patient health information to allow better outcomes to be delivered by the pharmacy profession.

The $50 million over two years is the final piece of a support package to help rollout the new eHealth records system and is in addition to the Government’s $233.7 million investment announced in the Budget.

MEDIA CONTACT:    Andrew Daniels 0487 922 175