The Closing the Gap (CTG) scheme in Australia encompasses several components aimed at improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s part of a broader strategy to address the health and life expectancy gaps between Indigenous Australians and the non-Indigenous population. The scheme includes targeted measures in health, education, employment, and social inclusion. While my focus is on the health component, particularly as it relates to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), it’s worth noting that the CTG initiative is comprehensive and multidimensional. As of my last update, here’s an outline of the key components within the health sector of the CTG initiative:
- Improved Access to PBS Medications
- Reduced Cost Medications: The CTG PBS Co-payment program was established in July 2010 to improve access to affordable PBS medicines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with, or at risk of, chronic disease, and who in their doctor’s opinion would experience setbacks in the prevention or ongoing management of chronic disease if they did not take the prescribed medicine and would be unlikely to adhere to their medicines regimen without assistance through the program.
- For individuals with a valid concession card (or registered for CGG), the cost for PBS medications is AUD $6.80 per prescription. However, under the CTG scheme, some medications may be provided at no cost to the patient.
- When obtaining PBS General Schedule medicines at their local pharmacy, CTG patients
- CTG patients who would normally pay the full PBS co-payment will pay the concessional rate ($6.80) and
- CTG patients who would normally pay the concessional rate receive their PBS medicines for free.
- Where brand premiums apply to a PBS medicine covered under this program, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will need to pay the brand premium at the time of dispensing.
- PBS Safety Net: Through the CTG scheme, there is a lower threshold for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to reach the PBS Safety Net, after which prescribed medications are free or further discounted.
- Registration: It’s important for ATSI individuals to register for the CTG scheme through their healthcare provider to benefit from these reduced costs. This can be done via PRODA (Provider Online Digital Access)
- Reduced Cost Medications: The CTG PBS Co-payment program was established in July 2010 to improve access to affordable PBS medicines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with, or at risk of, chronic disease, and who in their doctor’s opinion would experience setbacks in the prevention or ongoing management of chronic disease if they did not take the prescribed medicine and would be unlikely to adhere to their medicines regimen without assistance through the program.
- Primary Health Care Services Enhancement
- The scheme aims to enhance primary healthcare services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, ensuring that these services are culturally appropriate and accessible. This includes support for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).
- Chronic Disease Management
- Programs under the CTG scheme focus on the prevention, early detection, and management of chronic diseases, which are more prevalent in Indigenous communities. This includes initiatives such as MBS item 715 health checks (up to every 9 months) and chronic disease management plans.
- Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing
- The CTG includes a focus on improving mental health and addressing the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, recognizing the importance of holistic approaches to health.
- Maternal and Child Health
- Programs to improve maternal and child health are key components aiming to provide a healthy start to life for Indigenous children. This includes antenatal and postnatal care, as well as vaccinations and regular health checks for children.
- Health Infrastructure
- Investment in health infrastructure ensures that health services are available in Indigenous communities, including remote areas. This involves both physical infrastructure and the provision of healthcare professionals and specialists.
- Education, Training, and Employment
- Although not directly a health service, initiatives aimed at improving education, training, and employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are part of the broader CTG goals, recognizing the strong links between these areas and health outcomes.
- Data Monitoring and Evaluation
- Continuous monitoring and evaluation of health outcomes and the effectiveness of various programs are critical to the CTG scheme, ensuring that efforts are evidence-based and that adjustments can be made as needed.
The CTG scheme is designed to be flexible and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with programs and initiatives tailored to address local health priorities. It’s a collaborative effort involving government agencies, Indigenous communities and organizations, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.