But reforming a health system that, in some states at least, is close to critically damaged will be no easy feat.

The first battle the government will have is in convincing the states to agree to its plan. Victorian Health Minister Daniel Andrews has already voiced his concerns, saying providing more money would be preferable to total reform.

While there is still much room for improvement in Victoria's health system, we do fare better than some other states, particularly New South Wales and Queensland.

That two people in different capital cities with the same ailment can receive vastly different experiences of care is a far-from-ideal situation.

Prime Minister Rudd has declared his reforms will fix this.

The program he announced yesterday is the most ambitious undertaken by Labor since it was elected - much bigger than an insulation rebate scheme, for example.

It is unlikely that the public will be too fussed about who runs and funds its hospitals, so long as they get good health care.

Mr Rudd has put himself out there and said his government can do this.

The public, particularly those in states where the record of care is poor, will judge Mr Rudd and his government on whether they can deliver on such a big promise.