Health care in Australia
Health care in Australia
Health care in Australia (pronunciation: /ˈhɛlθ keər ɪn ɔːˈstreɪliə/) refers to the provision of medical services and public health in the country of Australia. The Australian health care system is primarily funded by the government through the Medicare scheme, supplemented by private health insurance and out-of-pocket payments.
Etymology
The term "health care" is derived from the Old English words "hǣlþ" meaning "health" and "carian" meaning "to care for". The term "Australia" comes from the Latin "Australis" meaning "southern".
History
The history of health care in Australia dates back to the colonial era, with the establishment of the first hospitals and medical institutions. Over the years, the system has evolved to include a mix of public and private providers, with a strong emphasis on primary care and prevention.
Medicare
Medicare is Australia's publicly funded universal health care system, which provides free or subsidised treatment for all Australian citizens and permanent residents. It is funded through a combination of general revenue and a specific Medicare levy.
Private health insurance
In addition to Medicare, many Australians also have private health insurance, which can cover services not fully covered by Medicare, such as dental care, optometry, and physiotherapy.
Public health
Public health in Australia focuses on the prevention of disease and the promotion of health in the population. This includes initiatives such as vaccination programs, health promotion campaigns, and disease surveillance.
Related terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Health care in Australia
- Wikipedia's article - Health care in Australia
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