Prime Minister Julia Gillard has promised a string of internet health initiatives piggybacking off Labor's National Broadband Network (NBN) plan at the party's formal campaign launch today.
The $392 million package includes a scheme allowing Australians, especially those living in rural and regional areas, to qualify for a special Medicare rebate for online consultations.
At Labor's official campaign launch in Brisbane today, Julia Gillard said the plan, which would take effect from July next year, would mean patients seeking medical advice would not have to leave their communities for consultations.
She said Labor's planned high-speed broadband network would bring video conferencing to the after-hours GP helpline and allow better remote advice on family medical issues.
"This is the future of healthcare," she said, accusing Opposition Leader Tony Abbott of ripping more than $1 billion from hospitals when he was health minister.
"We inherited Mr Abbott's cuts, not enough trained GPs," she said.
"If you are asking yourself the question, 'why can't I get a doctor's appointment today?' look to Mr Abbott's cuts because they're the reason why."
The package includes $250 million for online consultations, providing about 495,000 services over four years for rural, remote and outer metropolitan areas.
There will also be financial incentives for GPs and specialists to deliver the online services at a cost of $56.8 million and an expansion of the GP after-hours helpline at a cost of $50 million.
Labor would also spend $35 million to support training for health professionals using online technologies.
"By harnessing the benefits of modern technology, we will connect people in rural, regional and outer-metropolitan Australia up to health services they would otherwise have to travel long distances to receive," Ms Gillard said.
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