Federal Budget 2023: million dollar boost for after-hours doctor’s clinics

Funding for out-of-hours clinics will be extended next year as part of the Albanian government’s efforts to fix Medicare.

Future federal budgets include cash to continue programs run through the Primary Health Network (PHN) that were due to expire in June.

Improving out-of-hours access for practitioners was one of the key recommendations from an expert task force convened by the government to help fix Medicare and ease the pressure on expanded public hospitals.

Funding will come from $750 million allocated to the new Enhanced Medicare Fund in last October’s budget.

It will also support new PHN programs to improve access to primary care for culturally and linguistically diverse people and those experiencing homelessness.

Further actions in response to the Task Force’s recommendations are scheduled in the May 9 budget, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expected to outline the government’s intentions at a national meeting in Brisbane on Friday.

Health Minister Mark Butler said: “The Albanian government is making it easier for Australians to see a doctor when they need it.

“Having access to doctors after hours is critical to helping patients get the information they need when they need it and reducing pressure on hospitals.”

This is the government’s second major pre-budget health announcement of the week after Butler revealed plans to halve the cost of medicines commonly needed by millions of Australians.