Closing the Gap Funding - Improving Indigenous access to Mainstream Primary Care Program

In November 2008 the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) committed up to a $1.6 billion over four years to close the gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a generation.

As part of this investment the Australian Government is investing $805.5 million over 4 years (2009-2013) to tackle chronic disease among Indigenous Australians

The Three main elements of the Indigenous Chronic disease package are

• Tackling chronic disease risk factors
• Improve Chronic disease management and Follow up care
• Workforce expansion and support

Why is Closing the Gap a priority?

• The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population
• Have a life expectancy approximately 17 years less than Non Aboriginal Australians 
• Experience a burden of disease two and a half times that of other Australians

A large burden of the disease is due to chronic disease such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory disease and chronic kidney disease.

This burden can be reduced by earlier identification and management of risk factors and the disease itself.

What is GP down south doing to assist Aboriginal Health?

Improving Indigenous health outcomes is important to GP down south. The Division can assist general practice in pursuing culturally sensitive ways in promoting disease prevention, early identification and intervention in chronic disease and by utilising improved information management systems to achieve best practice management strategies.

Our current services include the following programs

Peel Region

Nidjalla Waagan Mia

South West Region

MaCHAS

The Division has employed a Indigenous Health Project Officer who is working with General Practitioners, local organisations, other stakeholders and communities to improve access to primary health care , provide resources for General Practitioners, local communities and other stakeholders.

As of 1 May 2010, General Practices can register for the PIP Indigenous Health Incentive
Link to PIP Indigenous Health Incentives page

http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/provider/incentives/pip/files/indigenous-health-incentive-guidelines.pdf

Indigenous health links
For more detailed information visit

http://www.health.gov.au/indigenous-chronic-disease
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ctg/publishing.nsf/Content/home-1

Ruah Perth Aboriginal Resources Directory