ESSA calls on governments to take action
February 25, 2014
With the recent release of the Australian Medical Association’s 2014 Public Hospital Report Card indicating the nation’s public hospitals are struggling to meet demand for services and targets set for emergency treatment times, Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) has called on the federal and state governments to invest more funds in primary health care and health promotion to lessen the strain on hospitals and improve the overall health of Australians.
ESSA Executive Officer Anita Hobson-Powell said while the Commonwealth government spends just under $65 billion on public health each year, more needed to be done to prevent illness so fewer cases reached the acute stages.
“Over the past two decades, we’ve seen a significant drop in the number of hospital beds available per capita, with this figure having decreased by more than 40 per cent,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“The reality is that our public hospitals lack the resources to keep up with demand for services. While there’s no doubt the public hospital system could benefit immensely from extra funding, it’s important to get to the root of the problem and address health concerns within our population wherever possible before hospital treatment is required.”
“The major campaign to reduce smoking in Australia shows how planned primary health prevention and promotion campaigns can successfully reduce the incidence of preventable diseases to lessen the burden on our health system over the long-term.”
“While third world countries are battling diseases largely beyond their control, we’re in a position where our fastest growing chronic diseases are largely born from over-indulgence and inactivity. That’s the message we need to get out there if we want to reduce the pressure on our health system.”
Ms Hobson-Powell said increasing state and federal government investment in primary health care and prevention would play a critical role in reducing hospital admissions and future healthcare expenditure.
“The overall cost of chronic disease to the healthcare system is also upwards of $6 billion per year, so it makes sense to tackle health issues early on,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“Patients themselves can also avoid medication costs and fees for a range of allied health services if they nip these illnesses in the bud and exercise regularly.”
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, approximately 32 per cent of Australia’s total burden of disease can be attributed to modifiable risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, poor nutrition and smoking.
“Conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer are some of the biggest causes of death in Australia, and by empowering Australians to take responsibility for their health and minimise lifestyle risk factors, many of these illnesses can be avoided,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“For example, in many cases, people with insulin resistance (a condition where the body produces insulin but has difficulty absorbing it into cells) can either delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes or avoid it completely by participating in regular physical activity and eating well.”
“In fact, it is estimated that up to 60 per cent of Type 2 Diabetes cases can be prevented*.”
“It’s time for the government to stand up and start prioritising illness prevention.”
// Ends.
*Source: Diabetes Australia, https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/Understanding-Diabetes/What-is-Diabetes/Type-2-Diabetes.
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OFFICIAL MEDIA SPOKESPERSON FOR THIS RELEASE
Anita Hobson-Powell, Executive Officer
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
327 Sandgate Road Albion QLD 41010
E: Anita.Hobson-Powell@essa.org.au
P: 07 3862 4122 M: 0400 519 800
ABOUT ESSA
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is the peak professional body for exercise and sports science in Australia, and provides national leadership and advocacy on key issues. ESSA supports its 3,500-plus members and the community by fostering excellence in professional practice, education, training and research.
Website: www.essa.org.au
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