Government health focus a nod to the future

Government health focus a nod to the future

The George Institute for Global Health has welcomed the strong focus on health in the newly appointed Cabinet, which was sworn in yesterday.

Executive Director, Professor Vlado Perkovic said it showed the federal government was interested in improving the health of all Australians.

“We congratulate Sussan Ley, and Senator Fiona Nash on their re-appointments as Ministers with responsibility for health,” Prof Perkovic said.

“Minister Ley has been making very good progress in the area of health reform and her work to establish the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) deserves recognition.

“This fund will help to secure the future of health research in Australia.

“The addition of rural health to the portfolio of Senator Nash is particularly exciting.

“We hope it will ensure better access to health services for the more remote and often more disadvantaged members of the community.

Professor Perkovic also congratulated Ken Wyatt who was appointed Assistant Minister for Health.

“We look forward to working with Assistant Minister Wyatt along with Ministers Ley and Nash as we seek to fulfil our mission of improving the health of millions of people worldwide,” he said.

“Their appointments show that the government is aware of the challenges in the health system and the need to address them.”

Professor Perkovic said the George Institute would also work closely with Christopher Pyne and Wyatt Roy who had been sworn in as Minister and Assistant Minister for Innovation.

“Australia needs to look towards the future, especially when it comes to improving health,” he said.

“It will take new, innovative approaches to health care, even if these question current practices.

“Our ability to do this puts us at the forefront of health research worldwide and we welcome further opportunities that will come through the government’s emphasis on innovation.”

[Image courtesy Nine News]