Rudd Government cuts to pathology services attack the most vulnerable on the North Coast

July 21, 2008

Aged pensioners, low income earners and residents with major health problems will be hardest hit by Rudd Government cutbacks to pathology services, The Nationals’ Federal Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker, said today.

 

In the 2008/09 Budget the Rudd Government ripped up a 20 year old Memorandum of Understanding between pathology groups and the Government which aimed to contain the costs of pathology services.

 

The Rudd Government announced government payments for blood tests would be reduced from $17.40 to $2.40 as a result of the changes.  The government also reduced from six to five the number of tests from a single blood sample which the Government would cover under Medicare.

 

Mr Hartsuyker said the cutbacks would force pathologists to reduce the number of patients they bulk bill.

 

“Pathologists will have no choice but to pass on the additional costs to the patients. This will unfairly place an additional burden on the elderly and those people who require regular tests.

 

“The changes could also make some pathology practices unviable and lead to the closure of smaller practices in regional areas. Waiting times at pathology collection centres are also expected to be longer.

 

“Kevin Rudd has really targeted the most vulnerable in our community with these cutbacks. North Coast families are already suffering from increases in the cost of fuel and increases in the cost of groceries.

 

“Now they are being hit with further costs to their health services.

 

“It is also a serious concern when governments choose to abandon Memorandum of Understandings without any consultation or warning.

 

“MOU’s, such as the one which existed with the pathology groups, exist so as to provide the best possible service whilst still containing the costs.

< Prev		Next >