Private care puffery

This letter was identified as being of interest by a DRS member

Private maternity care is not sustainable. Families can't afford it and health insurance is only attractive with government sticks and carrots. Private obstetricians are uninsurable without massive government subsidies. All this for a minority of women who seek private care.

If these subsidies were withdrawn and market forces allowed to function, the private sector would shrink and the money saved would be available to improve equipment, infrastructure and conditions in the public sector where most Australians go to have their babies.

Brian Peat, Director of Obstetrics, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide (SA), June 30.

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

1/07/03