The LNP says it will invest $3 million for mobile diabetes screening in indigenous communities across the state.
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LNP Leader Tim Nicholls said the Indigenous Diabetes Eyes and Screening (IDEAS) van provided education, equipment and specialist support for indigenous Queenslanders at risk of diabetes.
He said the van travelled more than 200,000km annually to regional hubs across the state including Mount Isa.
“Labor cut funding towards this vital health service leaving many indigenous Queenslanders at risk,” Mr Nicholls said.
“More than 4500 Queenslanders, predominantly diabetes patients, have been screened and a further 2500 patients referred to an IDEAS van clinic for treatment to save their eyesight.”
Mr Nicholls said the LNP’s funding commitment would ensure the service can continue screening patients, conducting eye scans and organising referrals for surgery.
“The LNP also commits to working with IDEAS to secure ongoing and sustainable funding for the program moving forward.”
IDEAS Van CEO Lyndall De Marco said the LNP in 2013 funded the IDEAS van to prevent blindness in indigenous communities resulting in 3000 patients receiving sight saving treatment.
“We are thrilled that in 2017 the LNP has again made a commitment to save the sight of indigenous people in Queensland,” Ms De Marco said.
LNP Shadow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Steve Minnikin said more than 30 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders were affected by diabetes – a rate almost eight times the general population.
“The IDEAS van partners with more than 20 Aboriginal Medical Services to identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients needing treatment for diabetes-related vision loss,” she said.
“Most blindness caused by diabetes can be prevented, which is why it is so important for these eye screening services to reach remote and isolated communities across the state.”