Private Hospitals welcome $2.5 billion Health Investment Fund

22 August 2007

The Australian Private Hospitals Association (APHA) welcomed the announcement by the Federal Government today of the establishment of a $2.5 billion Health and Medical Investment Fund (HAMIF).

APHA Executive Director, Michael Roff, said any additional investment in health infrastructure was good news.

“A fund of this nature that will provide ongoing investment into the future will help to offset the growing capital and technology costs that are required to deliver high quality health services.” Mr Roff said.

“We have been advised that the private sector, which provides 40% of all hospital care and 56% of all surgery, will be able to compete for distributions from this new fund.

“This new funding stream has the potential to benefit both public and private health care providers. More importantly, all Australians will benefit from improved access to services and new technology.

“APHA looks forward to discussing the details of the new fund with the Government, to ensure that the principles of competitive neutrality apply to assessments for funding distributions.”

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Media Contact: Michael Roff 0413 317 550