More Allied Health Services (MAHS) Program

The aim of the More Allied Health Services (MAHS) Program is to improve the health of people living in rural areas through allied health care, with linkages between allied health care and general practice.

MAHS funds eligible Divisions of General Practice to employ, contract or fund allied health professionals in rural communities. MAHS aims to increase the number and range of allied health services delivered in rural communities and links them with general practitioners, facilitating an integrated approach to health care provision.

The types of allied health services delivered under the MAHS program are determined as a result of a local needs assessment for that region. Allied health services funded through MAHS include dietitians, physiotherapists, podiatrists, social workers, psychologists, Aboriginal mental health workers, Aboriginal health workers, diabetes educators, dietitians and other primary health care providers. Services provided under MAHS are generally free of charge.

A review of the program in 2007 found that MAHS was an effective, appropriate and efficient way to deliver integrated care to address chronic disease and mental illness in a primary health care context where there is limited access to allied health professionals.

In 2007-08 sixty-seven rural Divisions (56% of all Divisions) were eligible for and received MAHS funding. Eligibility is based on at least 5% of the Division’s population living in rural and remote areas classified as RRMA 4-7.

Guidelines for the MAHS Program Divisions of General Practice Program 2008 (PDF 67 KB) effective from 1 July 2008

More Allied Health Services Program Review 2007 Executive Summary

For more information on the MAHS Program contact our freecall rural health enquiry line on 1800 020 787 or email ruralhealth@health.gov.au

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