Wyndham House Clinic, under the Medical First Group umbrella, has been operating in the Goulburn Valley since the 1950s.
The clinic, which provided more than 65,000 appointments last year, has more than 10 doctors on its roster, a specialist hub, pathology services and a pharmacy on site.
On September 5, a cake-cutting ceremony marked the milestone moment with nine of Wyndham House Clinic’s doctors already bulk billing their patients.
The remainder of doctors will transition on November 1.
Medical First Group chief executive Kristy Williamson, Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart and State Member for Shepparton Kim O’Keeffe spoke at the event.
“It makes such a difference to be able to access health services for free in regional Victoria,” Ms Stewart said.
“For many people who’ve had to choose between their health and putting food on the table, it makes it easier to prioritise their health.”
Earlier this year, the Federal Government committed $8.5 billion to strengthen bulk billing across the country.
The Shepparton clinic is one of the first to benefit from the investment.
Ms Stewart said the Australian Labor Party was the party that built Medicare, so it would always protect it.
She also reiterated the recent announcement that from January 1, next year, scripts on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme would also be cheaper, with a $25 cap for all Australians and $7.70 for eligible concession card holders.
Ms Williamson said the clinic’s transition was a win for the people of Shepparton.
“This clinic has been operating for more than 70 years. As the latest custodian, I’m absolutely thrilled we can offer bulk billing to the community,” she said.
“Victoria’s fifth-largest regional city and the heart of Australia’s food bowl has seen homelessness rise by 17.2 percent over the past decade. Many families are struggling.
“Primary care really is the front door to the health system.”
Ms Williamson said consultation affordability could be the difference between an early and late cancer diagnosis, a person escaping domestic violence, or the detection of diabetes.
Pointing to the latter as a “big issue” within the region’s rising homeless community, she said a doctor from Wyndham House Clinic visited the Salvation Army once a week to provide free medical services for those experiencing homelessness, who were not comfortable with coming into the clinic.
While it is preferred that they have a Medicare card when seen, it is not a requirement, as grants from the Murray Primary Health Network help cover costs.
The clinic also runs a domestic violence program.
“The GP is a great place to come to if you’re suffering domestic violence. It’s a safe place to talk and not be judged,” Ms Williamson said.
Ms O’Keeffe echoed the sentiments of Ms Stewart and Ms Williamson and thanked the doctors who’d relocated to the Goulburn Valley.
“We value our people who come here to live and work,” she said.
The clinic has employed four new doctors in recent months, with another starting in October, making 12 doctors available to patients.
Ms Williamson said the clinic welcomed new clients.
Medical First Group operates 14 clinics, mostly in regional areas. Half will convert to fully bulk-billing clinics by November 1.
“We are in this business because we care — and because we want to see healthier Australians,” Ms Williamson said.
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