`Patients will pay more for their health as the Government sits on its hands and watches bulk- billing rates fall to their lowest level since the Howard Government took office', said Dr Tim Woodruff, National President of the Doctors Reform Society.
`This steady decline in bulk billing rates is another slug on patients' pockets', said Dr Woodruff. `Now its $10 dollars to see the doctor, $28 to get the tablets, and three sick children which means a visit for the family in the winter could cost $114. It will mean some patients delay their visit to the doctor or don't go at all. Patients' lives will be at risk.'
`We call on the Government to stop blaming others for these price rises and demonstrate their stated commitment to bulk billing and Medicare with some policies which enable patients to access essential health care.'
21 May, 2002
Dr Tim Woodruff
President, Doctors Reform Society
Dr Con Costa
Vice President, DRS
Dr Peter Davoren
Vice President
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