Our wins - Physiotherapy and women’s pain
The win
Following a sustained APA campaign, the Victorian Government’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain has made 27 recommendations, many reflecting APA’s advocacy, including for:
- Expanded access to physiotherapy in public hospitals including as part of Women’s Health Clinics, pain clinics and maternity services in Victoria.
- Increased Medicare subsidies for physiotherapy, including access to more and/or longer sessions for those living with chronic pain.
- Expanded recruitment and retention of allied health professionals with a focus on regional and rural Victoria.
What we did
We called for funded access to physiotherapy to prevent, diagnose and treat women’s pelvic and musculoskeletal pain in a submission to the inquiry, meeting the Office of Victorian Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas, the then Federal Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney a number of times, and key women’s health stakeholders.
Why is this important
This inquiry is significant as it is likely to influence other state and national policy reform and investment.
Next steps
The APA will work with the Victorian Government on its Women’s Pain Action Plan, clinical guidelines and further policy reforms.