Bigger is not always better: what the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission report means for general practice

Abstract

The National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission report has a focus on building on "the vital role of general practice", to strengthen primary health care as the "cornerstone of our future health system". The report proposes Comprehensive Primary Health Care Centres and Services that will deliver "one-stop" primary health care; but in health care, bigger is not always better. The biggest challenge for the reform process may well be bringing together the different cultures of the largely private primary health care services, funded by the federal government, and the public, primary and community health services, funded by the states and territories. The report pays little real attention to the reforms needed to address the social determinants of health. There is a clear need for action now on the report's most urgent recommendations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, mental health, dental health and services for rural and remote communities. Diversity is a great strength of Australian general practice, and we must not lose it in the rush to reform.