Sun 29th Dec 2013
Coalition health policy: ignore the big problems
COALITION HEALTH POLICY: IGNORE THE
BIG PROBLEMS
“The release yesterday of the Coalition’s Health Policy is a sad indictment of the lack of interest in addressing the many problems facing ordinary Australians trying to access quality health care”, said Dr Tracy Schrader, president, Doctors Reform Society
‘The policy paper is 16 pages of not much substance, ignoring the big picture. Where are the details on Indigenous Health and Mental Health? Where is a policy on preventative health and health promotion? There is nothing of substance on Primary Health Care, which state LNP governments have been trying to pass over as a federal responsibility.”
“The policies outlined ignore cost barriers to access, co-ordination of care and long waiting times to access public hospitals”, said Dr Schrader. “The policies also ignore the recommendations of the all party Senate Inquiry on Social Determinants of Health ie all the non health factors affecting health outcomes such as education, housing, poverty.”
“People and families are struggling to find their way through the maze of different health services such as GP services, physiotherapy, podiatry, specialist services, dental services, aged care packages, public or private hospital care. Patients are struggling to afford
the increasing out of pocket costs for good health care. Patients are waiting years to get life changing health care such as joint replacements.”
“Frontline services need to be protected but need administration and coordination to run efficiently. Having different services completely unaware of what other services are doing is both a disaster for patients and a huge waste of resources. Co-ordination costs money and Medicare Locals can play a major role in co-ordinating frontline services if given the
resources. This does not seem to be understood by the Coalition.”
“Restoring the private health insurance rebate for those in the top 20% of income earners is a clear indication of the intentions of this Coalition. PHI coverage has increased since the means test was introduced. This would be a gift to the rich”.
“As Health Minister in the Howard Government, Tony Abbott said the health system was ‘a dog’s breakfast’. Clearly it would be more of the same.” Dr Tracy Schrader Dr Tim Woodruff
President Vice President
Ph 0408892610 Ph 0401042619
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