Australia’s outgoing government today has pledged to boost the Medicare National System with a free telephone line for medical advice and telemedicine services if it wins the May 3rd elections, as increased living costs are a central issue of the election campaign.

The center-left Labor Party considers the protection of Medicare, where there is universal access, as a key factor in differentiation between itself and the conservative opposition-nationalist opposition, which argues that it will better manage the economy and immigration. The outgoing government sought to make Medicare on a central issue of the election campaign, promising in February to boost it with $ 8.5 billion Australia (€ 4.77 billion).

Today, Health Minister Mark Butler told Australian television that the new call center would provide 24 -hour communication with medical staff and is intended to cover emergencies. “In your family’s illness or injury, in 1800medicare it will be there – a 24/7 medical advice line and telemedicine services after (usual) working hours, supported by Medicare,” Butler said, estimating the cost of $ 204 million (€ 114 million).

Prime Minister Anthony Albanesi is expected to announce the measure in a speech in Sydney, Australia’s most densely populated big city and a crucial field of electoral battle.

Peter Datton, leader of the Liberal-Nationalist Coalition and Albanesi’s main opponent, has pledged to spend $ 9 billion (5 billion euros) on Medicare if he wins the May 3 elections.