Media Release
30 September 2005
PATIENTS FORCED TO PAY BILLS OR SUFFER
“Data released from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) show that patients out of pocket contributions to their health have increased at twice the rate of inflation since 1997,” said Dr Tim Woodruff, President, Doctors Reform Society. “Most peoples income is not rising at twice the rate of inflation, and for the most needy, it’s often even below the rate of inflation.”
“Combining that with 2004 Commonwealth Fund data which shows that 29% cite cost as a reason for not accessing medical services, we have a sorry picture about affordable access to medical services.”
“The AIHW data does not include the 20% hike in prescription copayments, so the number of patients who last year failed to fill out a prescription because of cost, which was 12%, will now be even higher,” said Dr Woodruff.
“Those with money can and do spend more on out of pocket costs for health,” said Dr Woodruff. “But what of those who are struggling to keep up with inflation?”
Dr Tim Woodruff
President
Doctors Reform Society
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Dr Peter Davoren Queensland President Doctors Reform Society
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For further information please contact the Doctors Reform Society during business hours
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