VICDOC Winter 2022 - Magazine - Page 33
THE POLICY DESK
It is also an unfortunate
reality that many chronically ill
patients present unconscious
after an acute myocardial
infarction or cerebrovascular
accident, where time is of the
essence, including access to
advanced care directives. Thus,
in this most profound situation
of individual rights, the proposed
Bill better facilitates the
patient’s wishes being carried
out than the status quo.
We concluded the letter by
acknowledging the potential
risks of the Bill, but re-stating
that these are overstated,
and that the net benefit to
the community and individual
patients significantly outweighs
any potential risks.
INFLUENZA VACCINATION
ENHANCEMENT GRANTS
AND REIMBURSEMENT
PROGRAM FOR
PRIMARY CARE
––
In the leadup to winter, AMA
Victoria had been advocating
extensively for the provision of
free flu vaccines for Victorians,
all the while ensuring that our
already overburdened general
practices are supported.
In due recognition of our
consistent advocacy, on May
31 the Victorian Government
announced that it would
be providing free influenza
vaccinations for Victorians
throughout June.
Critically, however — and
what was particularly pleasing
to us — was that the Government
offered a reimbursement of
$25 per influenza vaccine
dose administered ($3 more
than in most other Australian
jurisdictions), and the
opportunity to apply for a
one-off $2,000 grant to GPs
interested in maximising their
capacity to deliver influenza
vaccines across Victoria
during June 2022. Moreover,
GPs maintained the ability
to privately bill for
the consultation.
We appreciate that it is
a uniquely difficult time for
GPs, and that even prior to
the pandemic, GPs had felt
ignored by the Victorian State
Government. However, we
believe that our advocacy is
making considerable headway
in this area, and we hope to
continue working with the
Victorian Government to better
appreciate and support general
practice as it continues to
shoulder over 90 per cent of the
healthcare burden in this state.
—
Further info
Click here
AMAV
State Budget
Submission
2022
Click here
#240
Feedback
wanted
Click here
Comms +
Advocacy
Update
––
Click here
for imagebased
prescribing
Click here
to email
Lewis
Horton
VI CD O C WI NTER 2022
33