A Productivity Commission report reveals that less than half of emergency patients in Western Australia are seen on time, sparking concerns about the state's healthcare system. The report highlights a severe shortage of GPs, the worst in nearly a decade, with Premier Roger Cook attributing the issue to factors beyond state government control. Opposition parties and the Australian Medical Association, however, criticize the government's handling of the crisis and call for a comprehensive plan to address the shortage of healthcare professionals. The report also points to rising healthcare costs forcing West Australians to forgo necessary medical attention and medication.
A report released by the Productivity Commission shows fewer than half of all emergency patients are being seen on time."Our health system is in dire straits," WA President of the Australian Medical Association, Michael Page, said.The state's GP shortage is the worst in almost a decade but WA Premier Roger Cook says that isn't the state government's fault.
"We tackle this in many different ways but it's about working together to try to relieve the pressure on the system," Kevin Brown, CEO of St John WA, said."We run the hospitals and we have to make sure that those hospitals are dealing with the fact that we don't have enough GPs in WA," he said. "I'd call on the opposition and the govt to commit to a plan to become self-sufficient with respect to training our health workforce in Western Australia," Page said.
Healthcare Crisis Emergency Delays GP Shortage Western Australia Healthcare Costs
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