Patients needing an MRI scan for cancer, stroke, heart and other medical conditions will soon be able to receive subsidised scans at the Sale hospital.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has announced Central Gippsland Health is among 10 locations across Australia to receive Medicare subsidised MRIs from November 1, 2018.
The MRI licence is expected to benefit 2,500 local patients a year through a Medicare rebate and provide an estimated 3,000 services a year.
“This is exciting news for our community, as it improves access to more affordable MRIs for local residents,” Mr Chester said.
“I’ve been actively lobbying my Parliamentary colleagues to have Central Gippsland Health added to the approved provider list and I thank Health Minister Greg Hunt for recognising the need and making this announcement today.
“I’m delighted Sale has been named as a priority region and will be among the first 10 from across Australia to receive Medicare subsidised MRIs under this new round.”
Mr Chester said Central Gippsland Health had purchased an MRI but, until now, has been subsidising the operational costs from its own resources.
“I thank all of those community members who took the time to contact my office and write Letters to the Editor to the local paper that have supported my campaign to introduce Medicare rebates for MRI services at the Sale hospital,” Mr Chester said.
“We are fortunate to have some dedicated and highly skilled staff working at Central Gippsland Health and they should have access to the best available facilities to provide the best possible care for our community.”
An MRI is a commonly used medical scan which gives a detailed view of the soft tissues of the body such as muscles, ligaments, brain tissue, discs and blood vessels. It is used by doctors to diagnose and monitor number of different medical conditions including cancer and trauma or sporting injuries.
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the Liberal National Government was helping Australians stay healthy and keeping down the cost of healthcare for families.
“Our plan for a strong economy means we continue to deliver record funding for essential services such as Medicare, public hospitals and life-saving medicines,” Minister Hunt said. “The Morrison Government is committed to providing high quality health services when and where they are needed.
“Not only will our new Medicare support ensure patients get better treatment and save money, it will also cut down the amount of time patients travel to get a scan.”
A competitive public application process will determine the location for a further 20 Medicare eligible MRIs and the government invites prospective facilities to apply for consideration.
The total of 30 sites to receive Medicare subsidised MRIs will provide more than 400,000 Australians access to lifesaving scans with a total $175 million investment from the Morrison Government.
Medicare spending is guaranteed and increasing every year from approximately $24 billion in 201718 to $28.8 billion in 202122.
The Liberal National Government has also announced an additional $2 billion investment in diagnostic imaging over the next decade.
