THE State Government’s Patient Travel Assistance Scheme will be extended to women referred by their GP to Melbourne for surgical abortions.

Health Minister Michael Ferguson announced the extension yesterday after coming under pressure to intervene following the closure of Tasmania’s only private abortion clinic in Hobart.

Mr Ferguson said the measure was temporary and would be implemented by the Department of Health and Human Services while options were investigated.

“Any women with concerns in relation to their own circumstances are encouraged to talk to their GP,” Mr Ferguson said.

A Department of Health and Human Services spokesman had said on Friday that patient travel assistance was available.

The Tasmanian Greens called for surgical terminations to be made available in public hospitals after the clinic’s closure was revealed.

Mr Ferguson yesterday urged Labor and the Greens to “stop playing politics with what is a very sensitive issue”.

Mr Ferguson has previously publicly opposed the abortion pill RU486.