Member for Barker Tony Pasin has welcomed the decision that the Morrison Government will expand its MRI program to 50 new MRI licences, giving patients from all around Australia access to life saving scans.

“In September last year our Government announced the first ten locations to receive this new Medicare support and opened a competitive public application process for the location for a further 20 Medicare eligible MRIs,” Mr Pasin said.

“I’m fighting for one of these 20 licences to be delivered for an MRI in the Riverland.

“Over 490 applications have been received from around the country. This is an overwhelming response and it proves that this is a highly competitive process. I’ve been lobbying the Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt on behalf of Riverland residents to award one of these 20 licences to an MRI machine in Berri.

“It’s wonderful news that our Government will invest a further $150 million, bringing the total investment to $375 million over the forward estimates and delivering 50 MRI licences nationally.

“Expanding the total number of licences from 20 to 50 gives me a better chance of delivering for the Riverland. The Minister has been very receptive to hearing me argue the case for the Riverland. I’ve been persistent and I’m hopeful that it will pay off.

“Access to Medicare subsidised MRI scans keep the cost of healthcare down for families as well as reducing the need to drive long distances to either Adelaide or Mildura from the Riverland for these scans.

The additional locations are expected to be announced in coming weeks.

“A strong economy means we continue to deliver record funding for essential health services across the country,” concluded Mr Pasin.

Contact: Charlotte Edmunds  8531 2466