Community health centre cohealth has been thrown a short-term funding lifeline, saving general practitioner (GP) services at three of its Melbourne locations from imminent closure.

The federal government today announced it would inject up to $1.5 million in partnership with cohealth to allow the free GP service to continue running until July 31 next year.

During that time, a government-commissioned independent review of cohealth's GP service model, governance and finances will help determine the next steps for the health provider, Health Minister Mark Butler said.

Cohealth provides more than 46 vital health care services across 30 sites in Melbourne and Tasmania's east coast.

"These clinics are a lifeline for many patients with complex needs, including mental health concerns and

See Full Page