However, it is not just about funding. Other evidence of GPs being undervalued includes:
– not being considered frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby having to source our own personal protective equipment, cover our own costs if exposed to the virus, and waiting months before being allowed to be vaccinated;
– being accused of systemic fraud while in truth GPs tend to undercharge rather than overcharge; and
– having inappropriate Medicare audits that often penalise those doing the hardest work.
Fixing funding is important but not sufficient. Respect and recognition for how general practice sustains the health care system is essential for long term solutions.
— Read on insightplus.mja.com.au/2023/14/doctors-need-more-say-in-fixing-gp-crisis/