The closure of Mediclinic in Corowa, the town’s only fully bulk-billing general practice, has sparked significant concern in the community.
The community was shocked to find out that the single-doctor clinic with Neetu Shokeen was closing on December 1.
Patient of Dr Shokeen, Sonia Kawalski immediately drafted the petition and placed it at TerryWhite Chemmart.
The deputy Liberal leader received the petition document last Wednesday accompanied by a letter (see below) co-signed by Sonia Kawalski. Anne Wescott Chair, Local Health Advisory Committee and John Crothers Executive Officer of the Regional Business Chamber & Member of the Local Health Advisory Committee.
The letter highlights key concerns, including the impact on Corowa’s ageing population, financial pressures faced by residents, and the added strain on the local hospital’s emergency department.
The community is calling for a review of bulk billing reimbursement models and practical measures to attract and retain healthcare professionals in rural areas.
This letter reflects the community’s united voice and determination to preserve accessible and equitable healthcare in Corowa.
In an economic climate where financial pressure is mounting, having a bulk-billing option is not just important, it is essential.
Dr Shokeen, a long-standing and respected figure in Corowa’s healthcare landscape, has been the cornerstone of the Mediclinic. She is reportedly “very disappointed about leaving Corowa”.
Her commitment to the community is evident. She has made Corowa her home and provided compassionate care to countless residents. However, rumours suggest that the clinic has been operating at a loss, a claim that has left many locals bewildered, given the high volume of patients seen daily.
John Crothers has called for urgent action on the clinic’s closure.
“This is not just a local issue, it’s a reflection of broader systemic problems in our healthcare system,” he told the Free Press.
“We need to address this federally, and we need to do it now.”
Chair of the Local Health Advisory Committee, Anne Wescott in Corowa stated that “we cannot afford to lose such a vital service without a plan in place to fill the gap”.
The letter that accompanied the petition
Subject: Presentation of Petition to Advocate for the Sustainability of Bulk Billing Primary Healthcare in Corowa and Rural Australia
Dear Minister Ley,
On behalf of the Corowa community, Sonia & I are honoured to present this petition, signed by over 800 concerned residents (15% of our population), highlighting the urgent need for action to address the challenges facing rural towns like ours in sustaining bulk billing primary healthcare services.
The Issue: Corowa, like many rural towns, relies on the availability of accessible, bulk-billing GP practices to provide primary healthcare for a community that is disproportionately older and economically vulnerable compared to metropolitan areas. With the recent closure of Corowa Mediclinic, our community is left with fewer options, exacerbating financial and logistical barriers to care. For many, this is not just an inconvenience but a crisis that affects their health and well-being.
This petition represents the collective voice of Corowa residents who are calling for immediate action to ensure that Corowa Mediclinic stays open. To enable this, consider the following:
1. Review Medicare Reimbursement Models
Bulk billing services in rural areas face significant financial challenges due to the current structure of Medicare reimbursements.
A review of reimbursement rates for rural and regional GP practices is essential to ensure their financial viability, particularly for small, 1-2 GP practices that are the backbone of healthcare in towns like Corowa
2. Support for Immigrant GPs and Streamlined Certification Processes
Rural towns often rely on immigrant GPs to sustain their healthcare services. However, existing regulatory barriers delay their ability to practice in Australia, leaving communities without critical healthcare providers. We propose that the government explore alternative pathways, such as remote supervision models and faster certification processes, to enable immigrant GPs to begin practicing sooner, ensuring continuity of care in rural areas.
3. Advocate for a Federal Strategy on Rural Healthcare Sustainability:
This includes incentivising doctors to work in rural and regional areas through grants, scholarships, and long-term retention packages. Additional funding to cover infrastructure and staff costs for rural GP practices must also be considered to alleviate the burden on small practices.
The ask:
We respectfully request that you take this petition to Canberra and directly to the Minister for Health, the Hon. Mark Butler MP, to highlight the real and immediate challenges faced by rural healthcare systems. Specifically, we urge the government to undertake:
- A thorough review of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) to ensure appropriate reimbursement for bulk billing in rural areas.
- Policy changes to expedite the certification and placement of immigrant GPs in rural Australia.
- The development of a long-term, comprehensive strategy to sustain primary healthcare services in rural communities.
This is not just about Corowa; it is about all rural Australians who deserve access to the same level of healthcare as those living in cities. Without immediate and considered intervention, the sustainability of rural healthcare—and the health of our communities—will remain at risk.
We appreciate your longstanding support for Corowa and the surrounding region and trust that you will champion this cause on behalf of your constituents.
Thank you for accepting this petition and for your commitment to ensuring equitable healthcare for all Australians.
Sincerely,
Sonia Kawalski
Instigator of the petition, patient of Dr Shokeen and concerned local resident of Corowa.
Anne Wescott
Chair, Local Health Advisory Committee
John Crothers
Executive Officer of the Regional Business Chamber & Member of the Local Health Advisory Committee
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