The Federal Government has put up $3 million in funding to boost medical access for people sleeping rough. 

The funds will cover new mobile medical services for people experiencing homelessness, as part of a wider primary care budget announcement for at-risk people. 

Health Minister Greg Hunt says not-for-profit Street Side Medics will receive money for its mobile van GP-led services.

“This funding will enable an extension of Street Side Medics’ capability and geographic reach to ensure more people have access to primary care,” Mr Hunt said. 

Street Side Medics’ van provides health examinations, diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, as well as providing health care plans to people experiencing homelessness.

The Sydney-based organisation is also supported by health care specialists providing cardiology, infectious diseases, gastroenterology, physiotherapy and podiatry services.

Over 116,000 people experience homelessness nationwide.

The groups most likely to experience homelessness in Australia include young people, children subject to care and protection orders, Indigenous Australians and those over the age of 55 years. Women and children escaping family and domestic violence also face disproportionate risk. 

“People who experience homelessness are at a significantly higher risk of poor health outcomes, including higher morbidity and mortality,” Mr Hunt said.