A virtual GP visit may sound like a step into the future but the ever increasing costs of the Australian health system could be cut by the smarter use of innovative medical technology that focuses on the sickest 10 per cent in the community, say local and international health experts.
The triple pressure of an ageing population, an increase in the expectations of the quality and availability of health care and a tighter budgetary climate mean that the potential of medical technology to lead to better and more efficient health outcomes should be considered now.
As Motherpedia has previously reported, between now and 2050, the number of people aged 65 to 84 years will more than double and the number over 85 years will quadruple. There will be only 2.7 people of working age for every person aged 65 years and over, compared with 5 people today.
Australia currently spends 9.3 per cent of its gross domestic product on health which is forecast to increase dramatically in future years.
"The tax base to meet the escalating health budget is declining as the baby boomer generation enters retirement age. Australia, and most of the developed world, needs to find ways to address these competing challenges," said Eslake, the chief economist with the Bank of America in Australia.
Eslake said that 10 per cent of the population consumes approximately 70 per cent of health care costs.
Technological advances can hellp people lead healthier and more productive lives, and may also hold the key to a more efficient health system. Experts say that the technology exists - but governments need to work with the health sector, health consumers and the medical technology industry to make it happen.
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