It couldn’t be clearer – the interests of patients are nowhere on Malcolm Turnbull’s list of health priorities.
New revelations show the Government’s mid-campaign deal with pathology companies had nothing to do with improving patient experience – it was wholly about silencing criticism and shielding Malcolm Turnbull.
This was a last-minute deal which did nothing to change the impact that cuts to vital scans and blood tests will have on patients.
In addition, there are clear concerns about the Government’s approach to reforming the Prosthesis List.
The Australian today reports that:
“A proposal from the private health funds to Ley earlier this year specified that they would give premium relief to health fund members in exchange for reductions in device costs.”
Instead, the Government opted to “slow-down” the process – delaying reform of the Prosthesis List until after the election.
These revelations reflect a disturbing trend within the Turnbull Government – patients continue to be put last.
There is a clear question for Malcolm Turnbull – how many other deals did he make to get him to this side of the election? When will patients stop paying the cost?
MONDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 2016