Gerald Lynch
The Victorian government’s Doctors in Secondary Schools program, initiated in 2017, has reached a milestone, providing over 72,000 consultations to students in Victoria.
With an investment of $113.5 million since 2016, the program has been rolled out across 100 government secondary schools, ensuring students have access to quality healthcare in their familiar school environment.
Minister for Education Ben Carroll today visited Hume Central Secondary College in Broadmeadows to celebrate the initiative.
“Promoting student health, wellbeing and inclusion through the Doctors in Schools program makes it so much easier for young Victorians to access the healthcare and support they need to thrive,” he said.
“We know that when students are healthy and supported to participate meaningfully in education, they can reach their academic potential and get the most out of their schooling.”
The initiative has delivered more than 700 student consultations at Hume Central Secondary College since 2018.
It aims to address health issues early and alleviate pressure on families seeking medical care, by providing accessibility and reducing healthcare costs.
Mental health concerns have made up 47 per cent of consultations since the program’s inception, with the initiative offering a platform to develop mental health care plans and make necessary referrals to support services.
Broadmeadows MP Kathleen Matthews-Ward said it was an extremely vital initiative.
“Giving local students better access to GPs and medical advice at school is helping remove barriers to healthcare and ensuring young people and their families are supported to get the care they need,” she said.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas recognised the difficulty of access to healthcare services due to the strong population growth in the northern suburbs.
“We are continuing to lead the country in making primary care more affordable and accessible for all Victorians – Doctors in Schools is just one of the ways we are ensuring kids get the healthcare they need, no matter their circumstances,” she said.
