The Northern Territory’s health system is far behind other states and jurisdictions for surgery wait times, health costs, and the quality of medical services being offered, according to a new national study.

The research, conducted by the Australian Patients Association and Healthengine, shows troubling figures, including that Territorians are the largest group of Australians waiting for elective surgery; that the NT has the worst elective surgery satisfaction rate with more than a quarter of people dissatisfied with the experience; more than 25 per cent of Territorians would not recommend their GP and the NT has suffered the highest increase in GP costs over the last year.

The study also found the NT has the highest rates of people avoiding prescription medication due to soaring costs, adding to cost of living pressures.

“The June 2022 Australian Healthcare Index report brought attention to patients’ struggle to access and afford essential healthcare, and whilst the latest report echoes this, new concerns are raised as people said they go less often to the GP due to cost concerns,” said CEO and founder of Healthengine and GP Dr Marcus Tan said.

“Skipping primary care isn’t a choice people should have to make, but it’s the current reality with the decline of bulk billing and the rising cost of living.”

On the whole, 53 per cent of Australians were forced to cut healthcare spending due to the upward spiralling of doctors’ billing practices.

The research also shows that the country’s healthcare system is challenged by shortages of doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers by 47 per cent; wait times at emergency departments, by 42 per cent; and increased out-of-pocket costs to see a doctor, by 33 per cent.

The study’s findings come as the Fyles Government continues to grapple with ongoing and regular Code Yellows at Top End hospitals that affect elective surgery wait times.

Chief Minister and Health Minister Natasha Fyles said the government was committed to improving Territorians’ access to essential medicines, but did not address the rising costs of healthcare or other pressing health issues, in passing legislation this week known as the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Legislation Amendment Bill 2022.

Ms Fyles said the reforms will help address “legislative barriers to the supply and regulation of scheduled substances reflecting modern practice” and be more flexible to meet clinical needs, specifically in regional and remote areas.

But it does not appear to address rising prescription costs or address any issues raised with soaring GP costs.

The study, known as the Australian Healthcare Index, involved an online survey of more than 11,000 Australians with figures weighted to the latest ABS census data.