BENDIGO Health has expressed its disappointment at the federal government's decision to reduce funding to preventative health in this month's budget.
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During a visit to Bendigo from the Victorian Healthcare Association on Wednesday, Bendigo Health chief executive officer John Mulder said preventative health funding was needed to reduce costs in the long run.
"While I understand the Commonwealth Government's desire to introduce a sustainable model for future healthcare funding, I was disappointed to see a reduction in funding for health prevention," he said.
"Bendigo Health has placed considerable emphasis on improving the health of our Loddon Mallee communities over recent years but the prevention effort requires ongoing commitment from all levels of government if we are to succeed."
The federal government chose not to continue funding for the Healthy Together Victoria program, which aims to take a whole-of-community approach to reducing smoking, poor eating habits, lack of exercise and alcohol abuse.
Mr Mulder said the state budget had provided a welcome boost to health services.
"I welcome the additional funding towards health services in the state government's first budget since being elected," he said.
"With record demand for our services, it is reassuring that investment is being made to ensure high quality healthcare will continue to be available for our regional and rural communities."
Victorian Healthcare Association acting chief executive officer Tom Symondson visited Bendigo, Heathcote and Castlemaine health services on Wednesday to discuss the impact of the state and federal budgets.
He said the state government's commitment to recommendations in the Travis Review would result in better long-term planning in health.
"The government has accepted all of his recommendations in principle and we're very keen to work with them on the development of that plan," Mr Symondson said.
"That will show what the service needs and what the capital needs are across the state, and what the best way is to address those needs."