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Core 1: Health priorities in Australia
What role do health care facilities and services play in achieving better health for all Australians?
The Australian health care system is made up of a variety of facilities and services. Largely, these facilities and services focus on diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and care for people who are sick or injured, rather than prevention or health promotion. This is reflected in the funding for health care. The cost of health care in Australia remains a key issue for debate amongst politicians, health care professionals and the general public.
To explore some of the factors relating to the nature of the health care system, funding and alternative health care approaches, click on the appropriate heading listed below.
Nature of health care in Australia
The health care system includes a wide range of facilities and services delivered through institutions (e.g. hospitals, nursing homes) and non-institutions (e.g. doctors, dentists). These facilities and services are provided by local, state and federal governments as well as private individuals, businesses and organisations.
Funding of health care in Australia
Health funding is a complex issue. Currently, the financing of health care in Australia comes from three main sources: the Medicare levy, general taxes paid to various levels of government, and payments for private sector services. The continuing issue is trying to meet the increasing demands on the health care system with the limited funds that are available.
Alternative health care approaches
Alternative health care approaches refers to treatments and services that fall outside of those practiced by the majority of medical practitioners. Consumers have been turning to alternative health care services and products for treatment and prevention of many health conditions. There still remains some scepticism within the community about alternative therapies because some have little or no scientific proof that they can successfully treat medical conditions.
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