ESSA Statement: Supporting Australian Health throughout COVID-19
Exercise & Sports Science Australia has commended the Federal Government for its swift response to COVID-19 and Economic Stimulus Package.
Today, ESSA reiterated the need for the government’s tax free offer to cover sole traders in addition to small-medium sized businesses, and for the urgent introduction of a Medicare item number covering the provision of telehealth consultations by Accredited Exercise Physiologists to Australians with chronic disease to help contain the spread of the virus and maintain general good health.
ESSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms Hobson-Powell, echoes the Australian Medical Association’s (AMA) call for strong medical leadership, advocating that Accredited Exercise Physiologists are a vital part of Australia’s healthcare system qualified in the prevention, management and rehabilitation of chronic disease.
“The majority of ESSA’s 8,000 members are sole traders or small to medium businesses, with many advising that they are already facing commercial loss due to the pandemic. We urge the government to see the value of allied health in supporting the community, and in turn urge for greater support for health businesses.”
“Accredited Exercise Physiologists have both the expertise and the capacity to augment the government’s efforts to contain COVID-19, and it is imperative they are financially supported to remain in business to continue to care for the physical health and wellbeing of Australians, especially those with chronic disease who are at greater risk from COVID-19.”
“The additional item number would enable the continuation of the safe delivery of health services to people with chronic disease by AEPs, support the primary healthcare system in managing COVID-19, and mitigate the spread of the virus to vulnerable populations.”
“ESSA requested this item number be included in the government’s emergency package last fortnight, and we await further clarification on this,” she said.
“These measures will enable AEPs to continue to support the physical health and wellbeing of Australians throughout the lifecycle of the pandemic.”
ESSA remains committed to supporting its members and the greater health of all Australians. ESSA will provide valuable exercise support and information to the general public through its public awareness platform - Exercise Right.
"We see it as our mission and responsibility to keep more Australians active during these uncertain times through the expert knowledge and guidance of our members."