The Federal Government has put aside a $100 million fund to respond to a future health crisis caused by a natural disaster or terrorist attack.

The funding will be distributed to two groups - $34 million to replenish the National Medical Stockpile and $64 million to support the Darwin-based National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre.

The funding injection to the National Medical Stockpile will see the restocking of drugs, vaccines, antidotes and protective equipment to ensure Australians are protected in case of a disease pandemic or chemical, biological or radiological incident.

In recent years, the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre has been instrumental in deployments to seven major emergencies and the treatment of almost 6,000 patients.

The $64 million funding extension in the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre should improve Australia’s capability to respond to natural disasters like recent cyclones in northern Australia and Vanuatu.

In the past three years, the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre says it has trained over 3,000 medical, nursing and logistics personnel to respond in times of emergency and crisis, while also maintaining a sophisticated reserve of medical equipment and supplies.

“This $100 million package means Australia continues to be well prepared to respond to a health emergency at home or abroad,” says Health Minister Sussan Ley.

“In a time of national emergency such as an influenza pandemic or a bio-terrorist attack the National Medical Stockpile is a key element in defending Australians.

“The National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre plays a key role during a national or international emergency to support the rapid and effective deployment of medical assistance teams,” she said.