AMA seeks more detail and engagement on health reform
AMA submission to the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee
The AMA will today appear before the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee to discuss the AMA’s views on the COAG health reform agreement and its potential impact on Australia’s health system.
AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said that while the reforms provided additional investment, there was no guarantee that the reforms themselves would create more capacity in the system.
“The States will receive a substantial injection of funds to direct to hospitals, and the AMA will be watching closely to see whether this actually translates into more beds,” Dr Pesce said.
“Without increased capacity, the Government’s reforms won’t work.
“The AMA supports the momentum for reform and is seeking greater certainty about the expansion of the capacity of the health system to meet demand for health care,” Dr Pesce said.
The AMA is also concerned about the Government’s proposed changes to health care for people with diabetes, which involves stripping patients of their Medicare entitlements. There is no evidence that patients will get better care under the Government’s proposed capitation payment system when compared to the current fee-for-service system.
The AMA has called on the Government to undertake a trial of the AMA’s alternative plan to improve the care of patients with chronic disease, and compare the results with the Government’s diabetes proposal, to see what works best for patients.
“It’s time for the Government to provide more detail about how all its reforms will work in practice,” Dr Pesce said.
“There are many questions that remain unanswered.
“The AMA wants all governments to work with the medical profession to ensure that these reforms are effective.”
The AMA submission to the Senate Committee spells out areas where the AMA has concerns and would like to see more action, clarity and engagement.
The AMA submission is available at http://www.ama.com.au/node/5654
7 June 2010
CONTACT: John Flannery 02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761
Geraldine Kurukchi 02 6270 5467 / 0427 209 753
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