MEMBER for McEwen Rob Mitchell welcomed Assistant Minister for Health, the Honourable Ged Kearney to McEwen late last month for a Women’s Health Forum in Mernda.
Held at the Mernda Village Community Centre, the forum provided attendees with the opportunity to share their experiences and to be updated on the Federal Government’s investment of over $500 million in women’s health.
“Our investment of $573.3 million will deliver more choice, lower costs, and better healthcare for women at all stages of their lives,” Mr Mitchell said.
“Whether it is saving hundreds of dollars on contraceptives, opening more endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics, or ensuring more reliable support for women going through menopause—this comprehensive package will deliver for millions of women and their families.
“It was fantastic to welcome Assistant Minister Ged Kearney and hear just what an impact this investment will have.”
The package of measures includes: The first PBS listing of new oral contraceptives in more than 30 years, the first PBS listing for new menopausal hormone therapies in over 20 years, more choice, lower costs, and better access to long term contraceptives, more endometriosis and pelvic pain clinics treating more conditions, and contraceptives and treatment for uncomplicated UTIs direct from pharmacies.
Discussions on the day ranged from personal stories of delayed diagnosis and pain management to the need for improved understanding in the workplace for reproductive health.
Joining Mr Mitchell and Assistant Minister Kearney for the forum was Tilly Mahoney from Women’s Health in the North, a not-for-profit organisation for the northern suburbs of Melbourne that provides information and education on women’s health.
“Women deserve choice and control when it comes to their healthcare needs, and they deserve a healthcare system that understands and responds to these needs as they change through their lives,” Ms Kearney said.
“This five-year investment in women’s health of over half a billion dollars will shift the dial on an entrenched culture of medical misogyny—we’re talking alleviating pain, reducing delays in diagnosis, avoiding unplanned pregnancies, and transforming menopause care.”
Mr Mitchell thanked all those that attended the forum to share their experiences.
“I want to really thank everyone that shared their stories,” he said.
“These perspectives are crucial in how the [Federal Government] can deliver better health outcomes for all women.”
