Why patients and technology may do what the health system can’t
Public health may never fund prevention properly. But technology and consumer curiosity could drive a new era of proactive, personalised healthcare.
Here's a hard truth: public health systems will likely never adequately fund preventative care, even though financial and economic analysis shows it to be an obvious win.
The Productivity Commission has estimated that improving the health of people in fair or poor condition would add $4 billion a year to Australia’s GDP. More recent Australian government figures suggest every dollar invested in preventive health saves an estimated $14.30 in healthcare and related costs.
As a GP, I see firsthand how effective a proactive approach can be. It’s not only about saving money for patients and the health system, though that is a key benefit. Most important is the vastly positive impact on individuals and their families.
The problem is finding the money. Without a significant increase in total funding, any new spending would have to be taken out of hospitals and acute care, which is not viable. Ultimately, acute care will continue to dominate health budgets. Someone who is already sick will always be at the top of the queue over someone trying to avoid getting sick.
