No Doctors For Overseas Sporting Teams Because Of Medical Indemnity Glitch
AMA President, Dr Bill Glasson, today called on Health Minister, Tony Abbott, to amend medical indemnity legislation to allow doctors to provide medical care to sporting teams travelling overseas.
Dr Glasson said doctors who travel overseas with Australian sporting teams can't get adequate indemnity cover because of a glitch in the legislation.
"The Government's high cost claims and exceptional claims schemes don't apply to doctors travelling overseas with sporting teams," Dr Glasson said.
"The AMA understands that the extension would involve minimal cost.
"Committed sportsmen and women should not be held to ransom because of bureaucratic issues like this.
"We heard this morning there's some question over whether Brumbies medicos will accompany the team overseas next week, and the Olympics are looming in Athens mid year.
"The Government is concerned about the costs of legal proceedings incurred outside Australia. But the AMA expects that any action would be launched in Australia, not overseas.
"We've had preliminary discussions with the Minister and the department. This situation needs urgent attention.
"Doctors must have the appropriate medical indemnity cover to allow them to provide support to teams travelling overseas," Dr Glasson said.
CONTACT: Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306