There are fears half a million Australians will be waiting for elective surgeries by the middle of the year.

Data from the Australian Medical Association shows one in 50 of public patients are currently on the wait-list for a procedure.

AMA President Professor Steve Robson told Joe Hildebrand hospitals are struggling to cope with a backlog – caused by Covid disruptions.

“The longer this goes on, the more people will deteriorate, both physically and mentally. It’s a terrible crisis across the country.”

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