January 2020

Time to Reveal Preventive Health Reform Vision

CMA Pre-Budget Submission 2020-21

Australia’s complementary medicines peak body, the CMA, is calling on the Federal Government to reveal a preventive health vision and invest in building a more sustainable health system for all Australians.

Releasing the CMA’s Pre-Budget submission for the 2020-21 Federal Budget, CMA CEO Carl Gibson, said today that a greater focus on preventive health is required and to do so will require strong funding and targeted investment. 

“Healthcare costs will continue to rise unless there is a shift towards early prevention, encouraging healthy and active ageing and supporting individuals in taking control over their health.

“Australia has one of the highest performing health systems in the world. However, in common with other developed countries, our ageing population and increasing rates of chronic and complex health conditions are an increasing burden on the health system.

“Preventive health interventions are the most cost-effective use of our health dollars. Investing in prevention and public health keeps people well and out of hospital, improving productivity and reducing pressure on the health system.

“Preventive health is an essential move towards improving the cost-effectiveness of the health care system, by enhancing Australians’ health and quality of life and reducing preventable illness. In the case of complementary medicines, a thoughtful and rigorous strategy, coordinated by a preventive health body, would further demonstrate the cost-effectiveness and health benefits of complementary medicines for contributing to improved public health.

“The 2020-21 Federal Budget provides the Government with the ideal opportunity to reveal its preventive health reform vision, through evidence-based and targeted preventive health programs for a more sustainable health system in Australia.

CMA are pleased to put forward recommendations detailing priorities for the Federal Budget to make real change. Optimal Health of all Australians is the best investment government can make,” Carl Gibson said.

The CMA’s Pre-Budget Submission sets out a range of recommendations that are achievable, affordable and will reduce costs in health care and serve to grow the economy.

The CMA’s Pre-Budget Submission 2020-21 is available here.

ENDS

For more information, contact:

Ravinder Lilly corporate marketing communications manager 0418928756
E-mail: Ravinder.lilly@cmaustralia.org.au