media releases

 “Latest Medicare figures show that over the 3 months to March 2010 there has been a 16% rise in out of pocket costs to see a GP and a 22% rise to see a specialist”, said Dr Tim Woodruff, President, Doctors Reform Society. “Despite such figures we see no response and no concern from either of the major political parties.”.

 “The Commonwealth Fund survey report that 34% of sick Australians indicate that cost is a reason for not getting proper medical care, whether it is seeing a doctor when sick or getting a prescription filled out,” said Dr Woodruff. “The latest Medicare figures tell us things are getting worse for these patients and yet we hear nothing from the politicians.”

 “Despite the large reform agenda of the current Government, there is nothing to address this issue of affordable access to health services,” said Dr Woodruff. “Having access targets (the best the reform agenda has to offer on this issue), means nothing if the financial barriers remain. But the latest figures indicate that the financial barriers are increasing. The most needy patients miss out.”

 “The Coalition has no reform agenda and has no new suggestions to address this issue. The most needy patients miss out.”

 “The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has been reported as regarding this as a ‘significant issue'”, said Dr Woodruff. “This is hypocrisy at its best given that it is AMA policy to charge such out of pocket costs. It flagrantly disregards the impact of these financial barriers on patients and demonstrates very clearly to all that the priority for the AMA is the financial interests of its own members. The most needy patients miss out.”

 “Sadly, it would seem that none of our leaders care about a fair go for our struggling patients.”

Dr Tim Woodruff      

President        

Doctors Reform Society         

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