Town opens doors to better health

By Bridget Brady
TOORADIN celebrated the momentous occasion of the opening of its first doctor’s clinic last week.
Flinders MP Greg Hunt opened the Tooradin Super Clinic on Friday with owner Dr Sunil Kumar, who said it was wonderful to welcome people through his clinic after what had been a turbulent time gaining approval for a doctor in the town.
Mr Hunt complimented Dr Kumar for making his dream a reality and urged the local community to support the super clinic.
Doctor Jitendra Kumar, 36, who recently arrived from England, will be the doctor at the super clinic. Patients can also access a dentist, physiotherapist, dietician, podiatrist and psychologist by appointment.
“The best thing you can do is bring your dodgy knees, bad throats and let Dr Kumar fix you up,” Mr Hunt said.
Casey councillor Geoff Ablett said the Tooradin Super Clinic would fulfil a great need in an area with a growing population.
“I know everyone will support you and well done,” Cr Ablett said.
Tooradin Commerce Committee president Colin Butler said it was fantastic to finally see a doctor in the town after years of campaigning.
And the chances of sealing the deal looked uncertain a few months ago when Dr Sumar’s application to have Tooradin classified as a District of Workforce Shortage (DWS) was rejected. Without that classification, overseas-trained doctors are unable to provide services that attract Medicare rebates.
But after a community drive, the Federal Government last month granted approval for one doctor to work at the clinic.
One final hurdle remains for the clinic- to gain a Medicare provider number for Dr Jitendra Kumar. Once that is ticked off, Dr Kumar will take appointments from 26 July.
Dr Jitendra Kumar said it was great to be part of a clinic that offered many services under one roof.