Bridging the Gap: Tackling Specialist Doctor Shortages and High Fees in Australia

The Grattan Institute report highlights the challenges Australians face accessing specialist care, with long waits and high fees a major concern. Governments must increase specialist training, strategically invest in public clinics, and regulate fees to ensure all Australians receive essential healthcare services without financial burden.

A new report by the Grattan Institute reveals significant barriers Australians encounter when accessing specialist healthcare. Patients are often forced to choose between enduring long waits in public healthcare and paying high fees for private consultations, causing many to delay or forgo necessary treatment altogether.

The study underscores the need for more specialist doctors, calling on the government to provide additional training and make strategic investments in public clinics. It also suggests regulating the exorbitant fees charged by a minority of private specialists to ensure equitable access to healthcare across Australia.

In addition, the report highlights disparities in healthcare access between urban and rural areas. It suggests that governments must modernize public clinics, improve training programs, and introduce measures to curb extreme fees, ultimately ensuring that specialist care is accessible and affordable for all Australians.

(With inputs from agencies.)