Last week, I was surprised to read an article in Australian Doctor that included patently incorrect claims about general practice, a confused perspective on Medicare funding, and a one-dimensional understanding of healthcare in general.

I was not surprised to see that the source for the article was a senior member of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.

Despite the outstanding contribution general practice continues to make to Australian health, this poorly informed article attacked GPs in what can only be described as a cynical attempt to bolster the retail presence of guild members, regardless of the impact on healthcare.

Let’s be clear: GPs are the beating heart of the Australian healthcare system. Around 88% of Australians see a GP at least once a year, and we manage 90% of the problems we encounter.