Coalition ups MRI machine pledge by 20
A further 20 Medicare-funded MRI machines have been promised by the Morrison government.
A further 20 Medicare-funded MRI machines have been promised by the Morrison government, bringing the Coalition’s total commitment to 50.
A September announcement of 30 new machines — topping Labor’s promise of 20 — was so well received that Health Minister Greg Hunt yesterday promised 30 more. “In response to overwhelming demand of over 490 applications, I am pleased to announce that our government will invest a further $150 million, bringing the total investment to $375m over the forward estimates,” he said.
The cost to Medicare of a fully licensed MRI machine can vary by about $500,000 a year depending on its location, which means the pre-election promises also come at a significant financial risk to the federal budget.
Mr Hunt said he would shortly announce the successful locations.
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