AMA warns elective surgery waitlist could balloon to 500,000 by July

Analysis shows hospitals cannot meet demand or recommended timeframes for surgeries unless urgent reform is undertaken

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A ballooning number of people waiting for elective surgery needs to be addressed urgently with extra funding and reforms, the Australian Medical Association says.

If no action is taken by all levels of government, the number of people waiting for elective surgery is expected to reach more than 500,000 by 30 June, the AMA president, Prof Steve Robson, said.

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