Long-term care scheme must be a certainty, not just a 'possibility'
AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson, today raised concerns about the Government's commitment to implementing a long-term care scheme for the catastrophically injured, which is crucial to force down medical indemnity premiums for doctors.
Dr Glasson said a media release today from Assistant Treasurer, Senator Helen Coonan, talks only of the 'possibility' of a long-term care scheme being discussed at tomorrow's Ministerial Meeting on Insurance in Adelaide.
"The long-term care scheme must be a certainty, not just a possibility," Dr Glasson said.
"Without it, there will be no downward pressure on premiums and the medical indemnity crisis will become entrenched.
"The AMA has made it clear that the Government's IBNR levy will only be tolerated by doctors if they know something is being done to reduce premiums.
"Stronger commitment by Government is needed on this scheme.
"Doctors and patients will be watching the outcomes of tomorrow's meeting with interest.
"Anything short of a commitment from Government to implement the scheme - with a timeline - will show that they are not serious about fixing the problem.
"Medical indemnity reforms must be treated with urgency. Otherwise the stresses on the shrinking Australian medical workforce will get worse," Dr Glasson said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306