DOCTORS REFORM SOCIETY

Media Release

Tuesday, 18 November 2003

 

 

Howard Throws Sick and Needy Overboard Into Saggy “Safety Net”

 

Plans to be announced today by John Howard to improve the Medicare `safety net' condemn the desperate and needy in this country to second rate health care and endanger the lives of the many who will not qualify for any `safety net'," said Dr Tim Woodruff, President, Doctors Reform Society.

 

"This will successfully divide Australians into three tiers, those who can afford to buy quality health care, those who can manage with a weakened Medicare, turned into a safety net' by Howard's neglect, and those who qualify for the second `safety net' for Medicare," said Dr Woodruff.

 

"`Safety nets are full of holes and entrench second rate service for those who can't afford to pay," said Dr Woodruff. "Safety nets which cut in after so much has been spent in a year are useless for patients struggling to afford to see the doctor in January."

 

"A well funded public health system does not need `safety nets'," said Dr Woodruff. "But John Howard real intention is to turn Medicare from a health care system aiming to give timely access to quality care for everyone, into a saggy second rate safety net of its own. Then it will be Minicare. And then there is a `safety net' for his Minicare"

 

 

Dr Tim Woodruff

President

Doctors Reform Society

 

Dr Con Costa

Vice President

 

Dr Tracey Schrader

Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

 

For further information please contact the Doctors Reform Society during business hours

 

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