Telehealth services will be made a permanent feature of Australia's healthcare system, following its success in connecting millions of Australians to their doctors throughout the pandemic.
Telehealth services that connected millions of Australians to their doctors and kept people safely at home throughout the pandemic are set to be made a permanent feature of the country's health care system.More than 16 million Australians have used telehealth throughout the pandemicThe federal government has announced a $309 million package for primary health care, which includes making the virtual service permanent.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said telehealth had been a "quiet revolution" to the healthcare system and had been critical to Australia's success in limiting the spread of COVID.Telehealth services were quickly stood up by the government in less than a fortnight to serve as a temporary support through the pandemic.The government has paid out more than $4.4 billion on Medicare benefits accessed through telehealth.
"There is a very important role for face to face [care], but equally that supplementary role for telehealth can give people access when they need it appropriate to their circumstances," Mr Hunt said.
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