However, it appears a potential way to come up with answers could come from the federal government, but only if the state government wants to play ball.

Independent Clark MHA Andrew Wilkie met with federal Health Minister Greg Hunt earlier this week to discuss whether he'd support a Productivity Commission inquiry into the Tasmania health system.

Mr Hunt, who visited Tasmania on Friday to announce funding for elective surgery, has told Mr Wilkie he'd consider a request - but only if it came from the state government.

So, once again the football is back in the court of Premier Will Hodgman and the state government, along with Health Minister Sarah Courtney, who, so far has not appeared to make much ground since taking on the portfolio from embattled Minister Michael Ferguson.

Outspoken senator Jacqui Lambie has also thrown her hat into the ring, expressing on radio that she supported a Productivity Commission inquiry, saying she did it twice for veterans affairs and that it "came up with answers".

There seems to be a lot of talk and no action when it comes to a health fix. While federal funding for elective surgery waiting times is welcome news, and will help those who are on extensive public waiting lists for surgery, that is just the tip of the iceberg of the woes that public health patients face.

Health is one of those areas - it could suck up the entire state budget if the government was inclined to spend it that way (which obviously doesn't make any fiscal sense), but basic healthcare needs are not being met.

A Productivity Commission inquiry might be the kick we need to lay bare the issues and the problems, pull off that Band Aid and reset, to make sure solutions are easily resolved. That action is now in the court of the state government, it is now very clearly, their move.

And the eyes of all the patients currently in the system will be watching.