Tasmania's leading not-for-profit health and wellness organisation St Lukes says the State Budget has missed an opportunity to improve long-term health outcomes and reduce pressure on health spending by failing to prioritise preventative health measures.
St Lukes CEO Paul Lupo said an indicative $5 million a year for four years towards the Government’s Health Revolution was unlikely to deliver the scale of impact needed across the health system.
While he acknowledged a constrained budget environment may limit first-year investment, he said funding should scale over time, with a clear growth trajectory to deliver system-wide benefits.
“In the context of a $15 billion overall health budget, $5 million a year over the forward estimates simply isn’t enough to deliver proper preventative health initiatives and the many benefits they unlock,” Mr Lupo said.
“St Lukes will be strongly urging the State Government to reconsider this approach as a matter of priority. We know the most efficient way to ease the burden on the health system is through preventative health investment.
“It gives people more opportunities to avoid needing health care in the first place. This means less demand on our hospitals, and less strain on the public purse to pay for it.
“Although the budget contains some encouraging initiatives, it doesn’t go far enough on preventative health. That shortfall leaves more Tasmanians at risk of chronic conditions and adds to the growing burden on our hospitals.
“Investing in preventative health not only delivers better health outcomes for the community, but it also saves money, and I would encourage the State Government to take a serious look at its long-term health priorities.”
ENDS
For further information: Jacquie Ray | Timmins Ray Public Relations | 0429 683 779