Gippslanders are facing an average wait time of more than 20 months to access general dental care under the Allan Labor Government.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien took his concerns to Parliament recently after it was revealed that the Victorian Emergency Dental Vouchers Scheme (VEDS) had exhausted its annual budget four months ahead of the end of the financial year.
VEDS is a program that allows hospitals to provide eligible patients with a voucher to seek treatment at a local private dental clinic.
Mr O’Brien said that vouchers under the program are meant to be valid for three months, but that he was being contacted by local residents who were told their vouchers could not be honoured due to underfunding.
“I’m calling on the Minister for Health to address the shortfall in funding that is seeing public dental patients lose access to dental vouchers,” Mr O’Brien said.
“It is extremely disappointing to hear reports that people in physical pain are having their vouchers cancelled because there is no more funding for this program.”
Mr O’Brien said he was aware that there are issues with attracting and retaining dentists to work in the public service and that this must also be addressed, but the issue in the short term is the lack of vouchers.
“Our hospitals are doing their best to keep up with growing demand but with large catchment areas and limited staff VEDS is a program that allows them to ensure patients receive the treatment they need in a timely manner.
“Without access to VEDS the pressure is put back on to our already overworked hospital staff.”
Mr O’Brien highlighted that he had raised concerns over cuts to the public dental program in the 2023 budget with the then Premier and it was disappointing to see that no action had been taken to prevent the situation Gippslanders are now facing.
“It is clear that the Allan Labor Government can’t manage money and can’t manage health services and it is Gippslanders who are paying the price.
“This is significant issue that the Health Minister must address.”