COAG - Time to call for the doctor

Dr Glasson said he remains convinced that the Health Care funding agreements will be signed before the weekend is out, but the failure to sign off on the health reform agenda will mean ongoing uncertainty for the health system and greater insecurity for patients.

"Premiers and Chief Ministers who have not signed the agreement should spend the next 24 hours trying to squeeze more money out of the Commonwealth just like the ACT Government did," Dr Glasson said.

"But if they are not successful they should take what's on offer to keep faith with their patients and their hospitals.

"They can then return to the negotiating table for top ups as the need arises...and it will.

"Patients are the big losers from the petty politics that have produced poor health outcomes from both COAG and the Health Care Agreements," Dr Glasson said.

Dr Glasson said the AMA welcomes the Prime Minister's announcement of a process for health care reform, but would have preferred to have seen the Commonwealth and the States first put in place the health reform agenda that has been developed over the past 18 months by the nine AHCA reference groups.

"While the PM's proposed process will no doubt deliver positive results, patients and public hospitals and aged care facilities simply cannot wait another two years for change.  It must start now.

"The AMA will approach the Prime Minister to be an active part of the new health reform review.

"At the same time, we will seek urgent implementation of the reference groups' reform agenda.

"In their rush to escape the COAG meeting because of the funding dispute, the States and Territories have left the all-important reform agenda sitting on the table.

"They have thrown the baby out with the bath water," Dr Glasson said.

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

                       Judith Tokley             (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306