More doctors for Bacchus Marsh

RESIDENTS in Moorabool’s biggest town are set to benefit from a change in health policy allowing more doctors in the region.

Bacchus Marsh has been granted Distribution Priority Area status by the federal government.

The change is aimed at helping account for population growth, and a decline in accessibility of general practitioners.

Practices within the GP catchment, which also includes Melton, will be able to recruit overseas trained doctors, meaning locals will have more regular access to GP care without needing to travel long distances to get the care they need.

DPAs are updated annually due to a range of factors, including Medicare billings by gender and age, socio-economic status of patients in the area, and the remoteness of the area.

Hawke federal member Sam Rae said giving the region DPA status would help address workforce shortages, and alleviate healthcare access issues that can come with rapid population growth.

“Our community is rapidly growing, and we need our health system to grow with us,” Mr Rae said.

“The decision to grant the Bacchus Marsh and Melton area DPA status will bring more GPs into our community and ensure locals can get the care they need, when they need it.”

Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler, said the federal government has “no higher priority in health than strengthening Medicare and rebuilding general practice.”

“We remain committed to investing in general practice and improving primary healthcare for all Australians, no matter where they live,” he said.

For more information on the DPA initiative, head to health.gov.au.