Tuesday, 11 February 2003

Doctors warned yesterday that the latest proposal by the Howard Government to address the bulk billing crisis is about the destruction of Medicare..

"This announcement by the Health Minister, Senator Patterson to target patients who can't afford co payments is about creating a two tiered system of health care at GP level," said Dr Tim Woodruff, President of the Doctors Reform Society. "A two tiered system of health care is not Medicare. It is not universal health care. Medicare is not a safety net."

"John Howard went to the last election claiming he supported Medicare," said Dr Woodruff. "But this announcement and his continued insistence on supporting a two tiered hospital system through the private health insurance rebate, one for the rich and one for the poor, is about destroying Medicare. His credibility is at stake. He is not supporting Medicare, he is killing it."

"Medicare is a universal health insurance scheme, for everyone, no matter how much they can afford," said Dr Woodruff. "Falling bulk billing rates means some patients can't afford proper health care, and many others struggle. It also means many doctors are struggling to give good care if they continue to bulk bill because they are overwhelmed by patient numbers."

"But the Government solution to attempt to target the needy is a disaster. It turns those who are targeted into second class patients. It divides our patients into the haves and the have nots by Government decree. Many needy patients are missed by such targeting. And it will make many people who don't benefit from the changes wondering why they are being forced to support the public system and Medicare through their taxes."

"We need Medicare. We do not need a safety net. Money is present in abundance in the wasteful private health insurance rebate, which should be scrapped," said Dr Woodruff.

"But any solution must be aimed at all patients, no matter how good their credit card is, or how poor they are. GPs need more encouragement to bulk bill and much more support to run high quality medical practices for all Australians."

"We ask John Howard, What about your promise to support Medicare? Was that another non core promise, easily broken and forgotten once in power? Show us you do believe in Medicare. Support it, don't destroy it."

Dr Tim Woodruff

Dr Con Costa

Dr Peter Davoren

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