South Australian Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Hon Chris Picton MP hosted an afternoon tea yesterday to celebrate GPs ahead of World Family Doctor Day on 19 May.
Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) South Australia Chair Dr Siân Goodson, who spoke at the event, commended the South Australian Government's commitment to general practice.
"Yesterday's event celebrated and acknowledged the important role GPs play in keeping the South Australian community healthy," she said.
"Specialist GPs see more than 22 million Australians every year and are usually the first point of call for people when they have an injury or illness.
"Family doctors help people stay healthy and out of hospital, which takes the strain off other parts of our health system and helps our communities to thrive.
"There is no substitute for the quality care you receive from a trusted GP who knows you and your history.
"The RACGP is advocating for incentives to attract internationally trained GPs to live and work in South Australia and funding to enable general practice to provide extended opening hours to support the continuation of care for patients outside of normal business hours.
"We will continue to work with the Government to ensure everyone in our state can access the affordable, quality care they need, when and where they need it."
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