media releases

“It’s time the Federal Government recognised that the well intentioned funding of access to psychologists for those with mental health conditions is missing the most needy because it is a flawed program,” said Dr Tim Woodruff, president, Doctors Reform Society.

 “Average costs of copayments of $35 ensure that the inverse care law applies ie that the most needy get the least care and the least needy get the most care,” said Dr Woodruff. “Private fee for service funding ensures that patients who live in areas of workforce shortage continue to miss out because there are not enough GPs or psychologists to provide the service.”

 “The budget blowout to twice what was expected is an indication of the need for the services but the money is being spent inefficiently and inequitably”, said Dr Woodruff. “It’s time the Federal Government recognised that it is a flawed funding model. They should incorporate funding for psychologists into a needs based regional funding model which aims to get the money spent on those with the greatest need, not the most healthy credit card.”

Dr Tim Woodruff    Dr Con Costa   

President   Vice President      

Doctors Reform Society                           

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