Labor spending millions more on urgent care clinics without evidence they work, experts say

Budget includes $227m funding boost but health expert says ‘the value of urgent care clinics is yet to be established’

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Doctors and health policy experts have questioned the federal government’s decision to fund an extra 29 urgent care clinics in the absence of strong evidence that they work.

Tuesday’s budget included $227m to fund the additional clinics, which will bring the total number across Australia to 87. The clinics offer bulk-billed walk-in care, seven days a week over extended hours, with the intention of reducing the burden on emergency departments and easing out-of-pocket health costs.

Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup