Encouraging News on UMP, but Government MUST extend its Medical Indemnity Guarantee - AMA
AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, today called on the Federal Government to extend its medical indemnity guarantee for doctors following news overnight that United Medical Protection (UMP) may be a going concern beyond 31 December.
Dr Phelps said extending the guarantee by at least another six months is crucial to make UMP attractive to potential buyers and to assist doctors make career choices based on a more secure medical insurance outlook.
"The positive prognosis for UMP is a small step towards stability in Australia's medical system," Dr Phelps said.
"An extended Government guarantee would be an equally important step.
"Without it, UMP's future remains under a cloud - as does the future ready availability of medical services for many Australians.
"At the same time, we must see rapid progress on tort law and other reforms in all States to rein in premiums.
"Without these reforms, there is a very real threat that medical indemnity will continue to be unaffordable for many specialties and procedures, with or without UMP in the market.
"If the suite of reforms proposed by the Federal Government does not work to reduce premiums in the longer term, other options will need to be considered, including a National Medical Accident Scheme as proposed by the AMA.
"The AMA remains opposed to even considering the possibility of a levy on doctors until all other avenues have been explored, as the cost of a levy would have to be passed on to patients and would precipitate more doctors to leave high risk specialties.
"We will be seeking meetings with UMP and provisional liquidator, Mr David Lombe, to get updates on the latest developments, and we will continue consultations with the Government to resolve the medical indemnity crisis," Dr Phelps said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076