The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has warmly welcomed the Albanese Government establishing a National Women's Health Advisory Council to address health inequalities for women and girls in Australia.
The Council, to be chaired by Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney, will provide advice to improve the nation's health system for women and girls, including healthcare offered in relation to menstruation, reproductive options, menopause, medical consent, and pain management. It will also consider medical research and health outcomes for women across a range of conditions, like heart disease, autism, and cancer care.
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins, who will act as a special adviser to the Council, welcomed the announcement.
"This is a positive step forward for healthcare for women and girls," she said.
"It is great news that the Government is listening to the RACGP and, even more importantly, acting decisively. I met with Ged Kearney during the college's recent GPs at Parliament event, and we discussed a range of issues including gender inequity in Medicare rebates, which discriminate against longer consultations for complex care and mental health. Examples include post-natal depression, childhood behavioural problems, and domestic violence, which are conducted largely by female GPs.
"We also talked about the need to triple the bulk billing incentive to support our vulnerable patients. I was impressed with Ged's knowledge and commitment to improving healthcare for women and girls and I look forward to working with her over the next two years. As President I only have two years and I want to get stuff done. This is a great start and there is so much more to do to improve healthcare outcomes for women and girls in communities across Australia."
The RACGP President said that the creation of the Council came at an important time.
"We must address inequalities in healthcare and that includes the treatment and care of women and children," she said.
"I completely agree with Ged Kearney when she says it is unacceptable that a young girl with ADHD symptoms suffers for years longer than a boy her age without diagnosis and treatment because girls are less likely to be diagnosed earlier. Similarly, how in the year 2022 can we accept a woman with severe pelvic pain affecting her quality of life caused by endometriosis having her symptoms repeatedly dismissed or ignored? It is not good enough and change must happen now.
"The Council has enormous potential to be a game-changer. It will comprise eminent women's health experts along with representatives from peak health organisations, consumer groups and professional bodies including women with lived experience.
"We have a new government, and a new opportunity to improve healthcare for half of Australia's population. Let's end the gaslighting and make sure that women and girls have tailored healthcare that reflects their experiences."
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