The Department of Health has launched a campaign to improve the health of the Indigenous community, with a focus on increasing annual health checks.
Backed by a new radio advertising campaign delivered in five Aboriginal languages, the Department is encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to see their GP and have a ‘715 health check’.
The health check, listed as item 715 on the Medicare Benefits Schedule, is tailored specifically to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages. It is free and available every nine to 12 months.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt said the health checks were an opportunity for early intervention, prevention and chronic disease management for all age groups.
“In-person 715 health checks decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic and the new radio advertising campaign, along with the availability of the 715 health check via telehealth, will help to increase awareness and uptake,” Mr Hunt said.
“The three-month radio advertising campaign is part of the Your Health is in Your Hands communications project.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt, said the health checks provided important information for both Indigenous people and health professionals, ensuring each individual’s physical, psychological and social health was comprehensively assessed.
“While rates have been trending upwards in most locations and age groups, increasing from 11 per cent in 2010-11 to 29 per cent in 2017-18, we encourage all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to visit their local GP and have their health checked,” Mr Wyatt said.
