Dr Prabani Wood: Investing in primary care makes economic sense

Health Minister Brown's primary care package takes aim at the country's critical GP shortage. He is right to be concerned. The economic consequences of our failing primary care system are as alarming as the health impacts. 

Your local GP practice is highly efficient at diagnosing, treating and managing health conditions and also preventing illnesses from occurring before they require expensive specialist intervention. Research abroad shows every dollar invested in primary care can save up to $13 in healthcare expenditure.