Three new bulk-billing GP Clinics will be built in the ACT this year, while the Interchange Health Co-op at the Tuggeranong Family Medical Centre has a new lease on life, as part of a $24.3 million federal investment in health care.
The bulk-billing clinics — a Labor promise at the last election — will open by the end of June.
Macquarie General Practice will establish a clinic in Gungahlin; Next Practice Deakin one in South Tuggeranong; and Ochre Health one in Molonglo. More GPs will be encouraged to come to the ACT through a $10.5 million scheme.
Health minister Mark Butler MP said: “Canberra has had issues with GP availability for a long time. Having three new GP clinics will help make medical care cheaper and more accessible for many Canberrans.”
Dr Andrew Leigh MP added: “When a child spikes a fever or an injury flares, people want help that’s free and close to home. Bulk-billing clinics are the social plumbing of a modern capital: practical and indispensable.”
Independent Senator David Pocock said he was excited to finally see the announcement of the locations for the ACT’s three new fully bulk-billed clinics, and that local providers had been chosen.
“The ACT has the lowest bulk-billing rates in the nation,” Senator Pocock noted. Only 11.1 per cent of ACT clinics fully bulk-bill, and the standard consultation fee is the most expensive in Australia ($100.33), the ABC reported earlier this year.
“Measures like this to bring in more GPs and increase bulk billing are very welcome. We still have a long way to go to, if the aim is still for 9/10 consults to be bulk billed, but this is a great start.”
Independent MLA Fiona Carrick welcomed the new bulk-billing clinic in the Molonglo Valley. “As the fuel crisis escalates the cost-of-living challenges facing Canberrans, free access to primary healthcare is as important as ever,” she said.
The government has also secured services for the former Interchange Health Co-op in Tuggeranong. Before closing last year, it supported 5,000 patients with complex health needs in South Canberra. A new provider, ForHealth Group, will take over and maintain services.
Mr Butler said: “Tuggeranong Family Medical Centre will continue to bulk bill for its services, so they will be accessible to patients who need affordable care.”
Nineteen ACT practices are registered with the Bulk-billing Incentive Program. Eight transitioned from a mixed billing to a bulk-billing model since November.
Finance minister Senator Katy Gallagher said: “This investment is about making sure Canberrans can see a doctor when they need to, without worrying about the cost.
“For too long, access to bulk-billing GPs has been a challenge in the ACT. These new clinics and support for Tuggeranong Family Medical Centre will make a real difference for families right across our city.”
The three new Bulk-billing Clinics, and Interchange Health Co-Op are in addition to the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic network in Woden, Gungahlin, the Inner North (Dickson), Belconnen, Weston Creek, and Tuggeranong.
