Establishment of The Australia Clinic

In June 1996 the Western Australian Government established The Australia Clinic (formerly The Western Australian Health Export Unit) to facilitate the export of the State’s world class health services on behalf of a consortia of Western Australian health service providers.

With recent significant growth in South East Asia, the provision of health services to key markets in the area is emerging as a major export commodity for many companies throughout the world. Western Australia’s close geographical proximity and similar time zone, means the State is well positioned to take advantage of health export opportunities.

Role of the Australia Clinic

The Australia Clinic performs both a marketing and brokerage role for the consortia, including maximising recognition of the range of health products and services available from Western Australia throughout South East Asia.

This includes maximising the benefits of exporting to consortia service providers; coordinating international activities and facilitating the delivery of standardised processes which ensure consistency, cost effectiveness and conformity to client expectations.

Over the past year, the Clinic provided a range of services to clients in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Pakistan, India, the People’s Republic of China and Singapore.

Consortia membership

The consortia comprises the Health Department of Western Australia, Perth’s five teaching hospitals, the three private Catholic hospitals, and several alliance partners who are called upon on a project-by-project basis. These include the State’s universities, TAFE International, The Pathcentre and other interested private sector providers.

Memorandum of Understanding with Rumah Sakit Pondok Indah, Indonesia

In December 1996, The Australia Clinic entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Rumah Sakit Pondok Indah (RSPI) to raise the clinical quality of the Hospital to an international standard. The MOU commenced with the appointment of a Western Australian health executive to the position of General Manager of the Hospital in March 1997. Mr Garry Parker, will be supported by a number of Western Australian clinical and hospital management specialists who will deliver consulting services over the next three years. A series of education and training programs on nurse education will also be delivered under the MOU, commencing with a program in quality management for nurses scheduled for October 1997.

Memorandum of Understanding with Universiti Malaya, Malaysia

In September 1996, The Australia Clinic entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Universiti Malaya to provide assistance in the establishment of cyto-genetic services, a cord blood bank, the establishment of a cyto-toxic drug mixing unit and specialised nurse education in paediatric oncology.

The Australia Clinic’s displays at Indonesian and Malaysian trade shows for the health industry help to foster better international relationships.