Preventable hospitalisations in Australia cost a staggering $7.7 billion in 2023-24, according to the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare (AIHW). This equates to over 3 million hospital bed days and approximately 788,000 potentially preventable hospitalisations (PPH). These admissions are for conditions that could be avoided through effective primary care, early disease management, and public health interventions. The data highlights the significant financial burden of preventable hospitalisations, emphasizing the need for better prevention strategies. The highest PPH spending was for chronic conditions, with diabetes complications costing $962 million, followed by congestive cardiac failure ($861 million) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, $797 million). Acute conditions, such as urinary tract infections ($695 million), also contributed significantly. Public Health Association of Australia CEO, Adj Prof Terry Slevin, emphasizes the importance of prevention, stating that proper resourcing of prevention programs can reduce pressure on emergency departments and ambulance services. The Australian Medical Association (AMA) further underscores the issue, calling for action to combat vaccine hesitancy and reverse declining immunisation rates. AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen highlights the far-reaching consequences of declining vaccination rates, including the re-emergence of preventable diseases and increased hospital admissions. The report also highlights the role of misinformation and anti-science sentiment in eroding public trust in vaccination, contributing to declining rates. The Australian Centre for Disease Control is urged to take action on chronic disease prevention, as governments have historically prioritized acute care over prevention.
