Arabic version: إنفاق أستراليا على الصحة يصل إلى 270 مليار دولار مع ارتفاع الأمراض المزمنة
A new report highlights that Australia has increased its health spending to $270.5 billion for the 2023-24 period, equating to $10,037 per person. This marks a significant rise from the $8,615 spent per person a decade ago. The report, published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) and titled ‘Australia’s health 2026’, indicates that while life expectancy has slightly improved following a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation is grappling with rising out-of-pocket costs and chronic diseases.
According to SBS News, the increase in health spending reflects contributions from federal, state, and territory governments, health insurance providers, individuals, and non-government sources. Males born between 2022 and 2024 are projected to live to age 81.1, while females are expected to reach 85.1 years. However, chronic diseases affect 61% of Australians, and mental health issues are on the rise, particularly among the youth.
Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression have seen a significant increase among young people aged 16-24, with diagnoses rising from 26% to 39% between 2007 and 2020-22. The report also reveals that one in four adults over 15 delayed or avoided seeing a general practitioner (GP) due to various barriers, including cost and service availability.
The AIHW emphasizes that while many health outcomes are improving, the growing prevalence of chronic conditions and mental health issues necessitates a shift towards preventive care. Experts argue that Australia cannot rely solely on treatment to address these challenges. They advocate for a proactive approach to healthcare that focuses on early intervention and addressing risk factors.
Furthermore, the report notes a concerning trend in obesity rates, with 67% of adults and 27% of children classified as overweight or obese. This shift highlights the need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle preventable health issues, as approximately 36% of Australia’s total disease burden could be mitigated by addressing environmental and lifestyle factors.
