What Are Some Of The Challenges Facing The Australian Govern ✓ Solved

What Are Some Of The Challenges Facing the Australian Government In De

What are some of the challenges facing the Australian government in dealing with the delivery of the healthcare system, which is large and complex? What changes are needed to make the healthcare system efficient and effective? This assignment should be 1-2 pages long. Document any sources you use in APA format.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The Australian healthcare system, known as Medicare, is a comprehensive public health scheme that provides access to a wide range of health services for all citizens. Despite its successes, the system faces several challenges that hinder its ability to deliver optimal healthcare outcomes. Addressing these challenges is essential to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

One of the primary challenges confronting the Australian government is the increasing demand for healthcare services driven by an ageing population. As the population ages, there is a rise in chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and arthritis. This demographic shift strains existing healthcare infrastructure and workforce, resulting in longer wait times and resource shortages (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2020). The system must adapt to manage the rising burden of chronic illnesses, which often require long-term and multidisciplinary care.

Another significant challenge is the geographical distribution of healthcare services. Australia’s vast geography and dispersed rural populations make it difficult to provide equitable access to healthcare. Rural and remote areas often suffer from shortages of health professionals, including general practitioners and specialists, leading to disparities in health outcomes (Humphreys et al., 2016). To address this, policy changes such as increasing incentives for medical professionals to work in underserved areas and expanding telehealth services are crucial.

The costs associated with healthcare delivery also pose challenges. Despite Medicare's coverage, there is a growing financial burden on the government due to rising healthcare expenditures, including hospital and pharmaceutical costs (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021). Efficient resource allocation and cost-containment strategies are needed to sustain the system financially without compromising service quality.

To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Australia's healthcare system, several reforms are necessary. Firstly, strengthening primary healthcare services by promoting preventive care and early intervention can reduce the demand for hospitalisations. Investment in digital health technologies, such as electronic health records and telemedicine, can improve coordination and reduce duplication of services (World Health Organization, 2016). Additionally, workforce planning must be prioritized to ensure an adequate supply of healthcare professionals, especially in rural areas.

Further reform should also focus on integrating healthcare services across different sectors to provide patient-centered care. This involves fostering collaboration among hospitals, primary care providers, and community health services to create seamless care pathways. Funding models may need adjustments to incentivize quality and efficiency rather than volume of services.

In conclusion, while Australia's healthcare system has achieved considerable success, addressing demographic changes, geographical barriers, and rising costs are essential for its future sustainability. Implementing targeted reforms that enhance primary care, leverage technology, and foster integration will help create a more efficient and effective healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of the Australian population.

References

• Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2021). Australian health survey: Physical activity and nutrition. Canberra: ABS.
• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2020). Australia's health 2020. Cat. no. AUS 232. Canberra: AIHW.
• Humphreys, J. S., Wakerman, J., Pashen, D., & Dunn, S. (2016). Improving health outcomes in rural and remote Australia: The role of the rural clinical school program. Medical Journal of Australia, 204(4), 152-154.
• World Health Organization. (2016). Global diffusion of eHealth: Making universal health coverage achievable. Report of the third global survey on eHealth. Geneva: WHO.