Medicare Gold Based on Too Many Undeliverable Promises - AMA
AMA President, Dr. Bill Glasson, said today that further examination of Labor's Medicare Gold policy by the AMA confirms that while it promises much it simply cannot deliver on its promises.
Dr Glasson said the policy's central promise of guaranteed immediate treatment free of cost with the doctor of choice at the hospital of choice for everyone over 75 is a head spinning aim.
"It sounds too good to be true and it is too good to be true," Dr Glasson said.
"The resources to deliver on the promises of Medicare Gold are simply not there.
"The frightening reality is that the inadequate resourcing of the increased demand of Medicare Gold will result in a reduction in the quality of hospital care for all patients."
AMA analysis shows the possible impact of Medicare Gold on four key areas of the Australian health system.
Funding
Access Economics confirms that while the additional funds will be adequate to replace private health insurance funding, improved access to hospital care for the over 75 year olds will come only at the expense of other patient cohorts who will face longer waiting times. The AMA believes that prioritisation of access to hospital care must be based on healthcare need, not age.
Public Hospital capacity
Our public hospitals need support for improved infrastructure, to open more beds and more operating theatres, and to employ more nurses and doctors. They cannot cope with the intolerable pressure of further demands for increased patient throughput with inadequate funding. It is an insult to our hardworking public hospital staff for State Premiers to suggest that the public hospital system can readily accommodate an increase in throughput.
Private Hospital Capacity
The AMA has serious doubts about whether the claimed 'spare' capacity in the private system actually exists or, if it does, is that 'spare' capacity properly resourced to manage the specific and complex needs of the elderly patient?
Workforce
It is patently obviously that there are not enough doctors, nurses or allied health professionals to manage the current workload of the hospital systems.
Dr Glasson said the future of the Australian healthcare system must be built on the principles of quality, access, affordability and choice.
"Medicare Gold's promises simply do not stack up against these criteria.
"It is the AMA's view - backed up by Access Economics analysis - that further stretching of healthcare resources will mean inadequate care for all patients, not just the over 75s," Dr Glasson said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761