The federal government has extended a funding lifeline to embattled Melbourne health organisation cohealth, giving its clinics another seven months of operation.

Health Minister Mark Butler said a $1.5-million cash injection for the health service would keep the lights on at its three Melbourne clinics until July 31 next year.

But the health minister noted that the funding was temporary and came with the condition that a joint review into the health service's model would be conducted by the state and federal governments.

"We want to really have the opportunity to review their model of care, their billing practices and see if there is a sustainable model going forward like there is, obviously, with other community health centres in Victoria," Mr Butler said.

The service initially planne

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