ACT Medicare Local chair Rashmi Sharma said it’s disappointing that some mental health services announced in last Federal Budges are still not delivered. However, she urges the Federal Government to still consider the key areas of mental health and eHealth as part of 2012/2013 Budget.

“While progress has been made in some mental health initiatives, it is disappointing that some mental health services announced in the last Federal Budget are still to be delivered,” Dr Sharma said.

“The timeline for delivery has slipped by at least 18months to a protracted Government process.

“ACT Medicare Local is poised to support Canberrans living with severe and persistent mental illness through the Partners in Recovery Initiative.

“The initiative was due to commence on 1 July 2011 but, due to the slow movement of the Federal Government, people in our community are still waiting to be able to access these essential mental health supports.”

ACTML chair Dr Rashmi Sharma said with forthcoming national eHealth initiatives, it is vital that the primary health care sector and general practice are given the required support to ensure the success of the initiative.

“We all know that excellent data quality is a key component required to ensure that patient outcomes are improved through eHealth initiatives,” Dr Sharma said.

“The Federal Government needs to ensure that adequate funding is provided to allow general practice and primary health care to take up eHealth.

“We need sufficient funding to ensure effective education, training, and appropriate tools and resources can be provided.

“To allow the work to be done to implement eHealth, we call for the adequate reimbursement of costs to be provided to primary health care practitioners and general practice.”