New grants program gives GPs opportunity to grow

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) contacted general practices across the region last week inviting them to apply for funding to improve their practices as part of a special grants program.

The Strengthening Medicare – General Practice (GP) Grants Program, which opened Friday 21 April, will see the Department of Health and Aged Care invest $220 million over two years, from 2022-23 to 2023-24, to support general practices and eligible Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations.

MPHN CEO Melissa Neal said the grants program gives GPs a unique opportunity to invest in their practice for the benefit of patients.

“Our GPs have been through an incredibly challenging few years, and this funding will enable them to regroup and invest in improving and expanding their practice to better provide our community with the best possible care,” Ms Neal said.

“The program will allow GPs to invest in innovation, training, equipment, and minor capital works to enhance their digital health capability, upgrade infection prevention and control arrangements, and maintain or achieve their accreditation.”

General practices within the Murrumbidgee are eligible to apply for a one-off grant of $25,000 or $35,000, with grant amounts determined by each practice’s size and accreditation status.

The grants program is being implemented in partnership with Primary Health Networks (PHNs) and National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), who will administer and manage the program.

MPHN forwarded grant application details to a total of 83 general practices in the Murrumbidgee and is anticipating a strong uptake over the coming weeks.

“We’re encouraging practices to apply as soon as possible,” Ms Neal said.

Grant applications close on 15 June 2023 and practices must spend their grant before 30 June 2024.

For more information, please email grants@mphn.org.au or phone 02 6923 3100.