OZ BUDGET BOLSTERS HEALTHCARE

Circumstances have continued to evolve as the COVID-19 Omicron variant has added further pressure to Australia's healthcare sector, as well as increasing supply chain disruptions, bringing about staff shortages and reducing household spending.

- Narayan Kulkarni

With a Federal election due on May 21, 2022 to elect members of the 47th Parliament of Australia, Josh Frydenberg, Treasurer of the Commonwealth of DL 0650ERERE INITIE Australia presented the Federal Budget on March 29. The Coalition Government led by Scott Morrison is investing in a stronger health system as part of its plan for a stronger future through a record $132 billion in 2022-23 Budget, increasing to $140 billion in 2025-26, with a total commitment of $537 billion over the next four years. This record funding will ensure Australians have access to improved healthcare, when and where they need it, helping them to lead healthier lives, with improved health outcomes and to provide ongoing protection against COVID-19.

"The Federal government is committed to its Long Term National Health Plan, through important and strategic investments to deliver the world's best health care system to the Australians, including $537 billion over the next four years, up $34 billion compared to the 2021-22 Budget; $45.5 billion over four years to access more affordable medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), and more than $2.4 billion this Budget to add vital new medicines to the PBS," said Greg Hunt, Minister for Health and Aged Care, Government of Australia.