Our work related to primary care

This scholarship scheme encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to undertake undergraduate or graduate entry studies in pharmacy at an Australian university.

The After Hours Review investigated the need for primary care after‐hours services, the current state of these services, and successful models. The final report provides options for immediate improvements and longer-term reform.

Learn about the policy work we do to support Australia's National Oral Health Plan through the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS). The schedule covers part or all of the cost of some basic dental services for eligible patients.

This initiative improves access to primary care in rural and remote areas. It allows states and the Northern Territory to claim Medicare benefits for primary health care services at approved health facilities or sites.

Learn about the funding of GP Super Clinics, the objectives of the programme and who to contact to find out more.

Under the Home Medicines Review, a pharmacist visits patients’ homes to help them understand all the medicines they take, and make recommendations to help health practitioners and patients develop medicine management plans. This helps to increase quality use of medicines and decrease adverse events.

We want to support more people with intellectual disability to have annual health assessments. An annual health assessment is a comprehensive assessment of a person. It provides a structured way to identify health issues and conditions that are potentially preventable.

On 1 November 2023, we increased Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) bulk billing incentive payments for Commonwealth concession card holders and children under 16 years of age for a range of MBS consultation items.

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) give you and your family more options to see a doctor or nurse when you need care for urgent, but not life-threatening illnesses or injuries.

MyMedicare is a new voluntary patient registration model. It aims to formalise the relationship between patients, their general practice, general practitioner and primary care teams. Find out who is eligible and how you can register.

The National Return and Disposal of Unwanted Medicines Program (NatRUM) is a service funded by the Australian Government that supports the safe disposal of expired and unwanted medicines.

The Australian Government has released the National Roadmap for Improving the Health of People with Intellectual Disability to address serious health inequities faced by people with intellectual disability. Read about the roadmap and plan to improve the health of people with intellectual disability.

The Pharmacy Trial Program aims to trial new services that expand the role of pharmacists delivering primary health care and improve clinical outcomes for consumers. At the end of the trials, a health technology assessment will inform decisions on future funding.

The Practice Incentives Program (PIP) Quality Improvement (QI) Incentive aims to support general practice while encouraging continuous improvement and better outcomes for patients.

The Primary Care Enhancement Program for people with intellectual disability (PCEP) is a pilot project operating in four Primary Health Network regions. The PCEP is being delivered between July 2020 and June 2024.

The scholarships will enable registered nurses and midwives to undertake postgraduate study. This includes supporting registered nurses to become nurse practitioners and midwives to become endorsed midwives in the primary care and aged care health sector.

The Primary Health Care Research initiative will provide $100 million over 10 years from 2024–25. It aims to support an increase in Australia’s evidence base in primary health care through research to improve service delivery and patient outcomes, and translate this knowledge into action.

Australia’s 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs) are independent organisations working to streamline health services – particularly for those at risk of poor health outcomes – and to better coordinate care so people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

This program provides free Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines to patients of Aboriginal health services in remote areas. It operates under section 100 of the National Health Act 1953.

These programs help to minimise adverse medicine events for people living in approved Australian Government-funded aged care facilities. Pharmacists visit patients in facilities to identify, resolve, and prevent medication-related problems.

The Review of Auslan Interpreting Services in Primary Care recommends ways to improve primary care provider’s Deaf awareness and ability to work with Auslan interpreters. It will help improve Deaf people’s experience of primary care.

Learn about how the Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) Review Advisory Committee (MRAC) is reviewing MBS time-tiered items for primary care.

This initiative simplifies training pathways and helps doctors to gain fellowship of one of Australia’s 2 general practice colleges. It distributes training places to ensure a continued supply of skilled doctors in rural and remote areas. It is part of the Stronger Rural Health Strategy.

We are putting practical measures in place to address challenges in our healthcare system and build a stronger Medicare for future generations. These measures aim to improve primary care for all Australians with a focus on 4 priority areas.

The Australian Government is investing in a program to make naloxone available free to people who may experience, or witness, an opioid overdose.