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AMA welcomes Government study into retirement cover for doctors

AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today a study announced by the Government into medical indemnity retirement cover for doctors will go part of the way to easing doctors' concerns about shortcomings of the Medical Indemnity (Prudential Supervision and Product Standards) Act 2003.

Dr Phelps said the Government's study comes in response to a similar study commissioned by the AMA, and conducted by the Institute of Actuaries in January and February this year, the results of which were submitted to the Government.

"It is vital that doctors entering retirement can feel safe from litigation years into the future," Dr Phelps said.

"This study, along with the AMA study, should give the Government sufficient evidence to introduce legislation and new arrangements to provide guaranteed security for retired doctors and doctors nearing retirement.

"It is clear the Government has recognised there is a problem with retirement run-off cover for doctors and that they are listening to our concerns.

"But we need more than another study to confirm the results of the AMA/Institute of Actuaries study. The retirement cover problem for doctors is real and senior experienced doctors are already considering their futures.

"There is still great anxiety among doctors and patients about their futures while the medical indemnity framework remains fluid with no retirement scheme in place and the 'blue sky' claims are not covered.

"More action is needed to put confidence back into the medical workforce.

"In response to a groundswell of opinion from grassroots doctors all around the country, the AMA will be hosting a doctors' rally at Darling Harbour this Sunday.

"Doctors from NSW, the ACT and other states will meet to discuss the medical indemnity crisis and share their personal stories of having to struggle to stay and help their patients and their communities," Dr Phelps said.

The AMA Doctors' Rally will be held at Tumbalong Auditorium, Sydney Convention Centre, Darling Harbour, from 11.30am, this Sunday, 6 April 2003.

CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761

Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5472 / (0408) 824 306

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