DOCTORS REFORM SOCIETY

 Media Release

Wednesday, 9 November 2005

Abbott Stops Patients Having Cheaper Drugs

“Reports today that the Health Minister, Tony Abbott doesn’t want patients to have cheaper drugs must have our patients listening in amazement,” said Dr Tim Woodruff, President, Doctors Reform Society

“Despite an opportunity to make access to drugs more affordable at no extra cost to the taxpayer or the Government, Mr Abbott has effectively said he is more interested in protecting the incomes of pharmacists, than the access of patients to drugs,” said Dr Woodruff

“Last week we learnt that 20%, one in five sick Australians in the community, were not filling out prescriptions because of costs,” said Dr Woodruff. “This decision simply doesn’t make sense if we are to believe that the Health Minister is interested in health.”

Dr Tim Woodruff

President

Doctors Reform Society