Four neurological organisations are lobbying Victoria's government for $5 million a year for health information funding as of July 1 next year.
Epilepsy Foundation, MND Victoria, Multiple Sclerosis Limited and Parkinson's Victoria Ltd is pushing for the commitment to continue health information and support services that will not be funded under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Graeme Shears, Neurological Alliance spokesperson, said more than 80 per cent of the 80,000 Victorians with neurological conditions do not qualify for NDIS.
He said without this funding, 17,000 calls per year to neurological health information services would go unanswered.
In addition, he claimed 130 community peer support groups across the state could disappear and 16,000 Victorians who provide support and care would not be appropriately trained.
He also said websites for the organisations would not be appropriately funded.
"We have been calling on the state government to not abandon people with neurological conditions," Mr Shears said in a statement.
"The state government needs to commit to ongoing funding ensure that condition specific information, education and peer support programs continue."
Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley said the situation was an example of "vulnerable people falling through the cracks" in the Federal government's NDIS rollout.
"Transferring funding from state-run services to the NDIS was meant to have seen improved, not reduced services," he said in a statement.
"We are aware of the issues currently facing people with neurological disorders who may not be eligible for or who have yet to transfer into the NDIS - and will continue to work with the relevant providers and services to identify sustainable potential solutions."
Share
