DRS

DOCTORS REFORM SOCIETY

Media Release

Friday, 8 October 2004

AMA RATES DOCTORS’ INCOME FIRST, PATIENT CARE LAST

“The assessment by the AMA of the different election policies of the parties demonstrates a sad but long standing tradition of the AMA, that is, a judgement based firstly on how it will affect doctors’ incomes and independence, and then, and only then, whether it will help patients,” said Dr Tim Woodruff, President, Doctors Reform Society.

“We have looked at the parties’ policies from the perspective of affordable access to health care for ALL Australians and have concluded that the Coalition’s policies are mainly about ensuring doctors’ incomes,” said Dr Woodruff. “Most of the Coalition’s funding has little effect on ensuring patient access but is so attractive to the AMA because it ensures a huge pay rise for doctors, either through the so called safety net which is putting gold plating on the BMW’s of specialists, or a $20,000 unconditional pay rise for GPs with no productivity increases required.”

“We have also looked in vain for some ideas on fundamental health care reform, and we see NONE from the Coalition,” said Dr Woodruff. “At least all the other parties have a vision for improving our health care system.”

AFFORDABLE ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS

How Do The Parties Rate?

Access and Affordability	Government	Labor	Democrats	Greens
GPs	3	6	6	8
Specialist, Pathology, X-ray	3	6	4	?
Physiotherapy, other Allied Health	3	5	7	7
Public Hospitals	0	7	6	6
Dental Care	0	5	7	7
Pharmaceuticals	3	5	7	9
SUMMARY	2	6	6	8

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