The Australian Medical Association has called on all levels of government to end the ongoing blame game over public hospital funding and prioritise the needs of patients.
AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen highlighted while negotiations continue to stall, patients suffer.
“Australians are caught in the middle of a political dispute as hospital emergency departments remain under pressure and surgery waitlists continue to grow,” she said.
“It’s time for the Commonwealth, states and territories to stop pointing fingers and come to a sustainable agreement.”
The AMA acknowledges the genuine cost pressures facing public hospitals, including workforce shortages, an ageing population and increasing patient complexity.
“Funding Australia’s hospitals requires a partnership between federal, states and territory governments. Both sides must contribute appropriate funding together if hospitals are to improve.”
“All governments must end the blame game now — for the sake of all Australians.”
Image: Stethoscope Doctor Nurse – Free photo on Pixabay
