Governance and Structural Arrangements in Australian and New Zealand Healthcare Systems Australia Australia’s healthcare system is shaped by a collaborative effort between the Australian Government and state and territory governments. The primary roles of the federal government include developing national health policies, funding medical services through Medicare, and subsidizing medicines via the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). They also provide funding to state and territory governments for public hospital services, support population-specific services, fund health and medical research, regulate medicines and medical devices, and oversee private health insurance. State and territory governments are responsible for funding and managing …show more content…
Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004: Provide health services for veterans. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Act 1987: Establishes the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. New Zealand New Zealand’s healthcare system, initially shaped by the Social Security Act of 1938, ensures free or subsidized healthcare for all residents, including permanent residents. The system covers primary healthcare, specialist services, surgeries, and pharmaceuticals. In the 1980s, the inclusion of private hospitals led to the current mixed healthcare system. The government established the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) to provide no-fault compensation for accidental injuries. ACC covers medical care, loss of income compensation, rehabilitation, and permanent disability payouts. St. John, a private not-for-profit organization, primarily operates ambulance services. Pharmac subsidizes prescriptions from general practitioners and public hospitals, with some specialist prescriptions requiring out-of-pocket payments. The healthcare system is managed by Te Whatu Ora, modeled after the British NHS, with a focus on Mori health through Te Aka Whai