GPs overwhelmingly reject MoU - AMA Fax Poll
An AMA fax poll conducted between Friday 31 August and Monday 3 September 2001 has found that 75 per cent of GPs do not believe the GP Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has improved their financial situation.
AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today the poll is proof that the Government should hold off pushing for an extension of the MoU until there has been proper consultation with all medical groups, including a process that genuinely acknowledges the views of grassroots GPs.
"GPs are doing it tough out there in the suburbs and the country towns of Australia," Dr Phelps said.
"A two-year extension of the MoU as it stands will see many GPs go out the door backwards.
"This is one of the reasons we are seeing a decline in bulk billing rates, and this trend will continue because Medicare rebates have failed to keep up with the costs of running general practice.
"The MoU does nothing to address this issue," Dr Phelps said.
More than 800 grassroots GPs from across Australia - city and country, AMA member and non-member - responded at short notice to the AMA fax poll.
Seventy-five per cent said the MoU had not improved their financial situation.
Sixty-three per cent do not want the MoU extended for two years. Only 23 per cent support the MoU extension.
Disturbingly, 59 per cent of respondents feel they do not have enough information to make an informed decision on an extension of the MoU.
Dr Phelps said the Government must immediately shelve plans to extend the MoU.
"This is a genuine grassroots poll. The GPs of Australia have spoken. They don't want an MoU.
"It is time for the Government and the Opposition to seriously incorporate implementation of the RVS in their election health policies if they are going to save Medicare, save our family doctors, and preserve affordable health care for all Australians," Dr Phelps said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076
| Total responses = 812 | YES | NO | NO ANSWER |
| Do you think the existing MOU has improved your financial situation? | 166 | 610 | 36 |
20% | 75% | 4% | |
| Do you want the MOU extended for a further two years? | 188 | 511 | 113 |
23% | 63% | 14% | |
| Do you feel you have enough information and understanding of the MoU extension proposal to make an informed decision? | 331 | 477 | 4 |
| *(Percentages rounded to nearest whole figure) | 41% | 59% | 0% |
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