Government announces massive boost to health funding

The government says it is committing $125 million to medical research to help combat major health issues like cancer, obesity and dementia and Indigenous health.

Newly appointed health minister Greg Hunt made the announcement today, saying the money was extra funding on top of what was promised in the last Federal budget.

It’s certainly welcome news to many, but should they be topping up funding in other areas, too?

It’s no secret that our hospitals are struggling under the weight of an ageing population so should we be focusing on keeping those heading into their senior years healthy?

There are plenty of people on waiting lists for surgery and others who are left for hours in the waiting room trying to see a doctor.

But there are plenty of reports out there that say if we spent more time and money on keeping our older generations more healthy, we’d find ourselves much better off in the future.

Speaking at the announcement today, Hunt took his moment to sing the praises of researchers and doctors fighting against cancer.

“No country is doing better in the fight against cancer than Australia — our survival rates are at world’s best,” he told the Nine Network.

“But we do know that more than 130,000 people are likely to be diagnosed by with some form of cancer this year.”

Do you think the government needs to focus more on other areas of health as well? Where would you like to see the money go?