Chronic Disease and the Australian Health care system – A Snapshot
Australia is one of the healthiest countries in the world in terms life expectancies, with majority of Australians suggesting their general health is good. However, as Australians life expectancy increases so too does the likelihood of developing chronic diseases. Consequently, chronic diseases have become the leading cause of illness and death in Australia. In 2014–15, 42% of Australians reported having at least one of eight chronic diseases, and 25% of Australian reported having at least two. These statistics are alarming as the effects of chronic disease is having on both individuals and the Australian healthcare system is significant. Approximately 66% of the burden of
Australia is one of the healthiest countries in the world in terms life expectancies, with majority of Australians suggesting their general health is good. However, as Australians life expectancy increases so too does the likelihood of developing chronic diseases. Consequently, chronic diseases have become the leading cause of illness and death in Australia. In 2014–15, 42% of Australians reported having at least one of eight chronic diseases, and 25% of Australian reported having at least two. These statistics are alarming as the effects of chronic disease is having on both individuals and the Australian healthcare system is significant. Approximately 66% of the burden of