This week’s budget for 2021-2022 includes support for women’s health through a $350 million allocation over the next four years.
Minister for Women, Senator Marise Payne said the allocation would include funding for cervical and breast cancer, endometriosis and reproductive health.
Senator Payne said the funding would contribute to the implementation of the five priority areas of the National Women’s Health Strategy 2020–2030 and improve long term health outcomes for women and girls.
“To increase breast and cervical cancer survival rates and improve early detection, we’re investing more than $100 million, including $67 million to ensure women aged 70-74 have access to free mammograms,” Senator Payne said.
“We’re also providing additional funding to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians suffering from Endometriosis,” she said.
“Affecting one in 9 women, Endometriosis can lead to severe chronic pain, and in some cases, infertility.”
Senator Payne said some of the key areas to receive funding included $95 million for new tests on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) for pre-implantation genetic testing of embryos prior to implantation and pregnancy; $47 million to support the mental health and wellbeing of new and expectant parents; $26 million to provide support for people with eating disorders; $22 million for additional gynaecology items on the MBS; $21 million for women’s health initiatives; and $19 million for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listing of Oripro to prevent women going into premature labour.
“Given over half the Australian population is made up of women, it’s important that we have equal access to health services and support,” the Minister for Women said.
