A re-elected state Labor government would create 20 women’s health clinics in Victoria — including one at Goulburn Valley Health.
It’s part of a $71 million election promise to “transform women’s healthcare” across the state.
It includes $58 million towards the clinics for women needing treatment or advice on health issues such as endometriosis, period pain, fibroids, pelvic pain, polycystic ovary syndrome and managing symptoms of menopause.
The clinics would provide culturally appropriate care for women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and an additional First Nations-led clinic would provide tailored support.
The government would also invest $2 million to provide scholarships for 100 extra specialists, to support training and recruitment of staff for the clinics.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said for too long, women’s health issues had been ignored.
“Some of the most common conditions experienced by women go undiagnosed and untreated — tragically, sometimes until it’s too late,” Mr Andrews said.
“This is about making sure women have the care, and peace of mind, they need.”
A mobile clinic would also be created through a $5.3 million investment to reach women in remote areas of the state.
A $6.4 million investment would be used for nine sexual and reproductive health hubs, bringing the network to 20 in total, to provide information to women about contraception and pregnancy.
In Victoria, an estimated 200,000 women suffer from endometriosis, and on average it takes seven years from the onset of symptoms to receive a diagnosis.
Meanwhile, about 85 per cent of women will experience symptoms related to menopause.
The clinics would provide wraparound support and become a one-stop shop for women’s health.
In regional Victoria the other clinics would be based in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Traralgon, Mildura, Wangaratta and Warrnambool.