Australia’s Chinese Medicine Practitioners Struggle for Recognition Amid Financial Challenges
The Struggle for Recognition: How Australia’s Healthcare System Marginalises Chinese Medicine Practitioners.
AACMA In-House Writer
November, 2024
As Australia’s healthcare system continues to face increasing strain, nearly 5,000 registered acupuncturists and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners find themselves on the margins. Despite being part of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (NRAS) since 2012, these professionals grapple with significant financial challenges due to a lack of government support and integration into the broader healthcare landscape.
A recent KPMG report commissioned by the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA) highlights the financial hardships that TCM practitioners endure. Their exclusion from critical support schemes limits their professional scope and earning potential. This exclusion not only impacts the practitioners themselves but also reduces healthcare options for the Australian public, particularly those seeking alternative treatments like acupuncture and herbal medicine.
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Financial Struggles of TCM Practitioners
The financial reality for many TCM practitioners is bleak. According to the National Health Workforce Survey (NHWS) 2020, 63.8% of registered practitioners operate as sole traders, while 23.5% work in small group practices. These small businesses face a tough financial landscape, with the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman reporting that 43% of small businesses fail to make a profit, and 75% of owners earn less than the average wage.
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Despite contributing $703 million to the Australian economy in the 2023 financial year, TCM services remain undervalued. While the demand for acupuncture remains steady, many practitioners struggle to stay afloat. The Australian government's refusal to allow TCM practitioners to operate within their full scope under the Medicare Benefits Scheme is seen as a significant factor in these financial difficulties.
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Lack of Government Support
"The government’s disregard for Chinese medicine practitioners is a disservice to both the profession and the public," said Waveny Holland, President of AACMA. "These practitioners are highly trained, yet they are denied the same opportunities afforded to other healthcare providers, such as general practitioners, who can perform acupuncture with far less training."
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This lack of recognition in Australia stands in stark contrast to other countries. In the United States, both the Department of Veterans Affairs and Medicare include acupuncture in their health management plans. Similarly, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) provides acupuncture treatments under specific guidelines. These examples highlight the growing global acceptance of TCM, leaving Australia lagging behind.
The Impact on Everyday Australians
For Australians, the marginalisation of TCM practitioners means fewer healthcare choices. With limited access to holistic, natural treatments, patients are often left relying on conventional medicine, which may not always be the most suitable option for issues like pain management or mental health. "The exclusion of TCM from the healthcare system not only affects practitioners but also denies everyday Australians access to effective, complementary treatments," added Holland.
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This reduced access is especially felt in rural and remote areas, where TCM practitioners could play a crucial role in alleviating the pressures on the overstretched healthcare system. Without proper integration, communities may face longer waiting times and greater reliance on pharmaceuticals.
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Moving Forward
The AACMA has presented the Australian government with a KPMG report that outlines the economic and health benefits of fully integrating TCM into the national healthcare system. This move could not only provide Australians with more healthcare options but also help relieve the pressures on the overwhelmed system.
"It’s time for the government to stop ignoring this essential cohort of health professionals and to start supporting their ability to practice to their full scope," concluded Holland.
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With increasing demand for natural and integrative healthcare, the question remains: when will the Australian government step up to support these vital practitioners and provide Australians with the full range of healthcare options they deserve?
