The Australian Medical Association has warned patients will be hit with fees of up to $25 if Malcolm Turnbull is re-elected on Saturday.
The peak medical group has delivered a damning indictment of the Turnbull Government’s health policies in its 2016 election score card warning patients will suffer as a result of Malcolm Turnbull’s GP Tax by stealth.
“GPs are telling us that they are at breaking point and many say they will have to begin charging patients up to $25 a visit if their practices are to remain viable.” [AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, 28 JUNE 2016]
The AMA is also warning public hospitals are under intense pressure as a result of the Liberals’ health cuts.
AMA President Michael Gannon says there is a simple prescription to fix Australia’s health woes:
“..match Labor’s pledge to unfreeze Medicare rebates, boost public hospital funding and reverse bulk billing incentive cuts for pathology and diagnostic imaging services.” [AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, 28 JUNE 2016]
The AMA’s endorsement comes as GPs overwhelmingly rated Labor as superior to the Liberals in looking after general practice.
A poll conducted by Australian Doctor found 78% of the more than 750 GPs who responded backed Labor’s health policies over the Liberals’.
The AMA;s report card, and the support from GPs is an overwhelming endorsement of Labor’s commitment to reverse the Turnbull Government’s GP Tax by stealth by restoring indexation of the Medicare Benefits Schedule from 1 January 2017.
It’s also a resounding rejection of Mr Turnbull’s repeated attempts to drive down bulk billing and hit Australian families every time they visit the doctor.
Labor created Medicare and Labor will always protect Medicare.
All Australians should be able to access health care when and where they need it. That’s what drives Labor’s health policy.
In contrast, Medicare is under attack from Mr Turnbull and the Liberals. They want everyone to pay more and the sickest, the poorest and those in rural areas will be hit hardest.
One in 20 Australians already say they delay visiting their GP, or do not visit at all, because of cost.
Doctors, more than anyone, understand that this can lead to conditions deteriorating and people being admitted to hospital – meaning worse outcomes for the patient and greater cost to the health system. It is vital we don’t create barriers for anyone who needs to see their GP.
All Australians should be able to access health care when and where they need it. Only Labor can be trusted to make this happen.
For more information on Labor’s plan to protect Medicare please visit: http://www.100positivepolicies.org.au/a_stronger_medicare_for_all_australians_fact_sheet