Ms VAGHELA (Western Metropolitan) (13:30): My constituency question is directed to the Minister for Health, Minister for Ambulance Services and Minister for Equality, the Honourable Martin Foley. My question relates to the portfolio responsibility of health. The Victorian government is making sure that more Victorians get the dental care they need where they live. A new $27 million package will help deliver more check-ups and treatments. Through this package an additional 40 000 Victorians will be able to get the check-ups and treatments they need. Good dental health is critical for good health. Dental health care got delayed for a lot of people during the pandemic, and we want to make sure that they get the right care now. My question to the minister is: can the minister please provide me with an update on how this funding will support public dental providers across the Western Metropolitan Region?
Reply:
Martin Foley MP Minister for Health, Minister for Ambulance Services (07 June 2022):
In December 2021, the Victorian Government announced a funding package to help public dental providers catch up and meet increased demand for dental services. This funding will target waiting lists and provide immediate access to public dental services and treatment for Victorians who have delayed or deferred treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The additional funding has been made available to public dental providers across Victoria to deliver additional services to their local communities. This includes a number of providers that deliver services to eligible Victorians in the Western Metropolitan Region (cohealth, IPC Health, Sunbury Cobaw Community Health, Western Health and the Royal Dental Hospital Melbourne.