DOCTORS REFORM SOCIETY

Media Release

Saturday, 21 October 2006

MORE HEALTH DOLLARS FOR PRIVATELY INSURED AS PUBLIC SERVICES IGNORED

"Reports today that private health insurance cover will be extended to out of hospital services such as weight loss programs and other preventive care as well as chemotherapy and dialysis is a further blow to the majority of Australians who can't afford private health insurance," said Dr Tim Woodruff, President of the Doctors Reform Society

"At least 30% of the cost of these programs will be paid for by all taxpayers through the private health insurance rebate," said Dr Woodruff. "Most of the time that means the taxes of those who can't afford PHI are paying for the health of the rich".

"In addition, there is a shortage of health professionals across the board throughout Australia, and when these measures lead to greater provision of private health services, the health professionals delivering those services will come from the already overstretched public system," said Dr Woodruff.

"Fifty six percent of Australians do not have private health insurance. There health is not just being ignored by this policy, their money is being used to allow the rich to queue jump the waiting lists for public services"

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