The AMA has released a seven point plan to address the critical problems facing general practice. 

“We have been hearing a lot of this GP crisis stemming from the fact that Medicare was built in the 80s when people used to go to the GP with a cough or cold or a sore toe. We know now there is a lot more mental health and chronic disease, where people need more time with their GP,” Danielle McMullen, Vice President of the Australian Medical Association told Oliver Peterson on Perth Live.

“So the AMA’s plan is to modernise Medicare to make sure patients get that time they need with their usual GP or the practice team there, to really get the care that they need, when they need it most.”

With bulk billing rates on the decline and the difficulty to make GP appointments on the rise, Ms McMullen highlighted the importance to now invest in GP’s to provide the comprehensive care needed.

“This includes getting more members of the team involved so more practice nurses and other allied health support to ensure you’re seeing the right person you need at that time,” she said.

“We’ve also called on the government to change the definition of after hours to 6pm during the week, and we think this will really help boost access for patients around the country.”

Press PLAY to hear AMA’s full plan to combat the GP crisis