media releases

“The Prime Minister’s defence today of the hospital funding reform proposal against the anti-reform agenda of the Opposition Leader is to be commended,” said Dr Tim Woodruff, President, Doctors Reform Society, “but we are still waiting for reform proposals for the total health system”.

“Our health system consists of public hospitals, private hospitals, GP services, community services, mental health services, dental services, aged care services, and much more. So far, we have heard plans for the single most expensive part of the system, the public hospitals, and for increased doctor training,” said Dr Woodruff. “But nothing is to be done for four years to address the current Federal funding shortfall to public hospitals. Nothing is to be done to address the taxpayer funded support of the growth of publicly funded private hospitals which attracts specialists away from public hospitals. And we know nothing of reform of the non hospital sector.”

“There is little so far to convince us that we are heading for an equitable, universally accessible, integrated, patient centred health system based around the health of patients from cradle to the grave.”

“The issues about which we have heard nothing are at least as important as, if not more important than the announcements so far”, said Dr Woodruff. “Addressing current problems whilst planning reforms for the whole system would do much to convince our patients and us that Mr Rudd is genuinely committed to a health system for all Australians.”

Dr Tim Woodruff
President
Doctors Reform Society

Dr Con Costa
Vice President
Doctors Reform Society

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