AMA (NSW) and ASMOF NSW welcome new interns to the medical profession
January 19, 2015AMA (NSW) calls for increased doctor numbers in rural and regional areas
February 10, 2015AMA (NSW) welcomes the State Government’s significant boost to subsidised travel and accommodation for rural and regional patients who need treatment in the city.
“The Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS) helps people in country areas access appropriate medical care,” Dr Saxon Smith said.
“We know people in rural and regional NSW are at a disadvantage when it comes to increased cost and longer travel times to see the doctor.
“We also know that some populations are just not big enough to support the specialist medical care that is needed to treat less common conditions.
“The AMA is very much in favour of increasing the rural and regional medical workforce and ensuring that Local Health Districts have the appropriate resources.
“Unfortunately, not every town can support a neurosurgeon, for example.
“The IPTAAS scheme is there to bridge that gap and increased funding to help people access appropriate care is most welcome,” Dr Smith said.
“It should be noted that this is the second time the current Government has increased spending on IPTAAS.
“The latest increase is of note because it is quite a substantial boost to the existing subsidies for patients requiring specialist care.
“Increasing access to appropriate medical care for patients outside of Sydney is an ongoing concern of the AMA.
“I’m very happy the Government has made this announcement and is making it easier for patients to get the medical care they need,” Dr Smith said.
Media contact: Lachlan Jones (02) 9902 8113 / 0419 402 955