Rapid antigen testing kits should be universally available to all people in Australia who need them, the Consumers Health Forum said today.
"We welcome plans for provision of up to 10 free tests for concession and health care card holders through community pharmacy - this is a critical and overdue essential measure," the CEO of the Consumers Health Forum, Leanne Wells, said today.
"But to limit free RATs to these groups would be a denial of the universal principles underlying Medicare which have worked so well over the past three decades.
"Fortunately,it appears that state governments in future weeks will make RATs freely available but the chaotic interstate patchwork of pandemic measures makes yet more compelling the case for a Commonwealth-directed and organised response.
"The use of the community pharmacy network for free RATs access in addition to state clinics is sensible. Consumers will benefit from public education pharmacists are well-placed to provide about whether they actually need a test or not.
"The community catch-cry is clear: following the time-held principles underpinning our Medicare and PBS system, RATs should be universally available for those who need them.
"While the measures announced by the Prime Minister yesterday are welcome coverage for the 6.6 million people deemed eligible, it will still mean millions of others will struggle to afford the rapid tests they will need.
