Australia’s healthcare system is buckling under increasing pressure, with hospitals overwhelmed by sicker patients and states and territories demanding more funding from the federal government.
A perfect storm of factors is contributing to the crisis, including a decline in general practice, the ongoing impact of COVID-19, and the strain on aged care and disability support services.
With fewer GPs available, patients are presenting to hospitals with more severe conditions, leading to longer hospital stays. The backlog of patients awaiting NDIS, in-home care, and aged care placements is also exacerbating the problem, as people requiring these services are occupying hospital beds.
State and territory health ministers have united in calling for increased federal funding for hospitals, GP services, and aged care. However, the federal government has expressed concerns about the rising costs of the NDIS and has paused negotiations on hospital funding.
This standoff between the federal and state governments has left the healthcare system in limbo, with patients bearing the brunt of the crisis.