AMA says it's time to get back to work on the Australian Health Care Agreements
"The NSW election is over. It's time to get back to work on the Australian Health Care Agreements, which expire on 30 June 2003," AMA President Dr Kerryn Phelps said today.
Dr Phelps made the comments in response to Federal Health Minister Senator Kay Patterson's comments in February that she would not attend the Ministerial conference on 21 February because of the NSW election.
"The Australian Health Care Agreements provide a once in every 5 years opportunity to set the scene for the health of every Australian," Dr Phelps said.
"Commonwealth, State and Territory Health Ministers must develop a workable blueprint for the future of Australia's health system.
"Funding anomalies that exist between Federal and State Governments must be addressed. Millions of health dollars are wasted every year because bureaucrats won't communicate. The administration of health services across State and Federal responsibilities must be streamlined," Dr Phelps said.
"The Federal Government must boost its financial commitment to public hospitals and not seek to use private health insurance increases as an excuse to claw back Commonwealth funding for public hospitals. State and Territory governments should be more transparent in their commitment of resources to the health system," said Dr Phelps.
"The AMA calls on Federal and State Health Ministers to return to the positive agenda endorsed at the September 2002 meeting which called on a commitment from all governments to the continuum of care between primary, community, acute, sub-acute, transition and aged care," Dr Phelps said.
CONTACT: Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306