Liam McNally
More than $800,000 has been granted to GPs in Melton and Moorabool as a part of the $220 million federal Strengthening Medicare – GP Grants Program.
Between $25,000 and $50,000 were granted to 21 medical centres throughout Melton and Moorabool in an effort by the government to recognise the crucial services provided by GPs for our community.
Resolve Medical Centre received $35,000 from the fund, which practice manager Rebecca Whitaker said feels great for the centre.
“It will upgrade a bunch of different things IT related [including] a new phone system and upgrading our software that we use for booking patients in… we have just gone through accreditation and can put it towards our next accreditation as well,” she said.
From November 1, the federal government is also tripling the bulk-billing incentive for GPs with an investment of $3.5 billion – the biggest investment in Medicare since it was formed.
Bulk billing incentives are delivered through Medicare and compensate providers when they bulk bill.
The increased bulk-billing incentive will be paid on top of the standard Medicare benefit when doctors bulk-bill children under 16, pensioners and other Commonwealth concession card holders
Ms Whitaker said Resolve may be the only bulk billing clinic left in Melton, and that the increase will help out.
“It gives the incentive to stay bulk billing, and hopefully it will help us stay bulk billing,” she said.
Hawke MP Sam Rae said the government is making it easier for local families to see their GP and making sure they have the resources they need to keep caring for the community.
“Locals will benefit with more doctors able to offer bulk-billed appointments thanks to the Albanese Government’s record investment in Medicare,” he said.
Melton Medical and Dental Centre received $50,000 from the grant, while Bacchus Marsh, Westcare Family and Scott Street medical centres and Q1 Medical received $35,000 and 14 others in Melton and Moorabool received $25,000.
