Most Australians could be living within 20 minutes of a bulk billing urgent care clinic, under a federal Labor pre-election promise.
The government has vowed to open an extra 50 clinics by the end of June 2026 if it secures a second term, with the polls suggesting a tight race between the two major parties.
The $644 million plan aims to deliver extra clinics in every jurisdiction, however, while Labor has released a list of target areas the final sites would be decided independently.
Ahead of the May 2022 poll, Labor announced plans for 50 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics before going on to open 87 in government.
Once the new clinics are added, about 80 per cent - or four in five - Australians "will live" within a 20 minute drive of one of 137 facilities, according to Department of Health and Aged Care analysis.
So far, more than 1.2 million people have received care at the existing clinics, the government says.
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics offer free care by GPs or nurses for non life-threatening conditions or injuries, and were initially set up to take pressure off public hospitals.
Treatment is offered for minor injuries - like cuts, basic fractures, burns, suturing and bandaging and foreign objects in ears nose or throat - or minor illnesses - like bronchitis, rashes, gastro, first trimester pregnancy bleeding or ear, nose, throat and eye infections.
One in three patients are under the age of 15.
"This announcement of 50 additional urgent care clinics, if we are re-elected, will provide the urgent care people need - and all you will need is your Medicare card, not your credit card," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
The government has been emphasising health announcements in the lead up to Mr Albanese finally calling the election date.
The funding for the latest commitment was provided for in the 2024/25 mid-year budget update, the government said.
The election must be held on or by May 17 but could happen as early as mid-April.
The coalition running ahead of Labor on a two-party preferred basis, at 51 per cent to 49 per cent, according to the latest YouGov poll of voters.
PROPOSED SITES FOR NEW URGENT CLARE CLINICS
NSW (14):
Bathurst, Bega, Burwood, Chatswood, Dee Why, Green Valley and surrounds, Maitland, Marrickville, Nowra, Rouse Hill, Shellharbour, Terrigal, Tweed Valley and Windsor
Victoria (12):
Bayside, Clifton Hill, Coburg, Diamond Creek and surrounds, Lilydale, Pakenham, Somerville, Stonnington, Sunshine, Torquay, Warrnambool and Warragul
Queensland (10):
Brisbane, Buderim, Burpengary, Cairns, Caloundra, Capalaba, Carindale, Gladstone, Greenslopes and surrounds and Mackay
Western Australia (6):
Bateman, Ellenbrook, Geraldton, Mirrabooka, Mundaring and Yanchep
South Australia (3):
East Adelaide, Victor Harbour and Whyalla
Tasmania (3):
Burnie, Kingston and Sorell
Northern Territory (1):
Darwin
ACT (1):
Woden Valley
