National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission established

Federal Cabinet has formally approved the establishment of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission.

The Commission will provide an interim report on a long-term health reform plan to the Commonwealth Government by the end of 2008, and a final plan in mid 2009.

Issues for the Commission include:

• The rapidly increasing burden of chronic disease;
• The ageing of the population;
• Rising health costs; and
• Inefficiencies exacerbated by cost shifting and the blame game.

The Commission will focus on health financing, maximising a productive relationship between public and private sectors, and improving rural health.