Tasmanians will have access to completely free GP services under a Labor government, with the party today announcing plans to establish five no-cost bulk-billing medical clinics across the state if elected.
The ‘TassieDoc’ initiative, unveiled this morning by Labor Leader Dean Winter and Shadow Health Minister Ella Haddad, aims to address the absence of fully bulk-billed regular doctor services in Tasmania.
Winter said the first clinics would be operating before the end of the year if Labor wins government.
“Right now, there are zero 100% free regular doctors’ clinics in Tasmania,” Winter said.
“Tasmanians need cost of living relief and more access to the health care they need. This plan from Labor will deliver both.”
The five clinics will be strategically located across the North, North-West and South of Tasmania based on community need, offering extended hours including evenings and weekends.
Patients will only require a Medicare card to access the services, which will be available both in-person and via telehealth.
To tackle the state’s doctor shortage, Labor also pledged incentives to attract 150 additional doctors to Tasmania, including grants for practices to take on and retain medical professionals.
Winter said the initiative would complement existing urgent care facilities.
“Our Urgent Care Clinics are great – but they are for urgent care – not regular doctor services,” Winter said.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has backed the proposal, with Deputy Chair Dr Tim Jones throwing his support behind the initiative.
“Every patient, no matter their postcode or income, deserves access to high-quality care from a GP who knows them, and their history,” Jones said.
“By boosting access to general practice care in these communities, patients can get the care they need, when they need it.”
“GPs relieve pressure on the entire healthcare system; we stop small health problems becoming much larger ones requiring hospital care.”
