DOCTORS REFORM SOCIETY

Media Release

Tuesday, 26 December 2006

 

JOHNNIE’S BATTLERS TO PAY MORE FOR THE HEALTH CARE OF THE RICH

 

“Reports today that private health insurance (PHI) premiums are set to rise 4% again this year means that for the sixth consecutive year private health insurance will be made less affordable to those lucky enough to even consider it,” said Dr Tim Woodruff, President, Doctors Reform Society. “The private health funds are awash with money, including taxes, and our public health system struggles to provide even emergency services.”

 

“For the majority of Australians who know they must rely totally on the public system, it will be no comfort to them to know that another $180 million in their taxes will be paid out to support those privileged and or desperate enough to enjoy the limited benefits of private insurance,” said Dr Woodruff

 

“Those Australians feeling secure with their private insurance need to remember that in an emergency it is the under-resourced public hospital which will save them,” said Dr Woodruff. “But the increasing taxpayer support for the continued growth of the private health industry starves those public hospital, putting at risk the emergency services which even John Howard may depend upon.”

 

“For all our patients, with or without private health insurance, this is not good Christmas news.”