Govt looks to health dept for savings

An efficiency drive in the health department will save more than one billion dollars, the federal government says.

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann already has announced $113 million in health savings over five years as part of the coalition's Smaller Government efficiencies.

However, Tuesday's budget also includes savings of $962.8 over five years, as part of a government push to streamline and rationalise funding for health programs.

The savings include the scrapping of Labor's GP Super Clinics, changes to preventative health programs, and redesign of a rural relocation scheme for dentists.

HEALTH EFFICIENCIES IN THE FEDERAL BUDGET

* Savings of $962.8 million over five years through efficiencies.

* Includes scrapped GP Super Clinics and changes to a rural relocation scheme for dentists.

* Does not include a further $113.1 million over five years as part of Smaller Government initiative.