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Future of Medical Services in Victoria hangs in the balance
AMA Victoria has called on all parties to provide unequivocal support for the passage of the Wrongs and Limitations Acts (Insurance Reform) Bill, warning that the consequences for Victorian healthcare would be disastrous should a delay or amendment occur.
AMA Victoria President, Dr Sam Lees, this morning, implored Parliament to make certain that the Bill, due to be debated in the House today, would be passed promptly and in its current form without any last minute attempt to water down its content.
“What we have is a situation where doctors need to make a decision within the next weeks as to whether they will continue in practice beyond July 1st and, in many cases, this life altering decision hinges on the successful passage of this Bill without amendment” said Dr Lees.
“The State Government has the golden opportunity today to ensure the future availability of medical services for many Victorians and I only hope that all parties have the courage of conviction to take this positive step for the community’s benefit.”
The Bill is intended to do the following:
- Introduce a general damages threshold for pain and suffering based on greater than 5% permanent impairment using the American Medical Association Guide 4.
- Reduce the period within which claims may be made.
- Limit the recovery of damages for gratuitous attendant care services
Dr Lees said that given the unprecedented level of public support for a solution to the medical indemnity crisis, it could only be expected that there would be a huge public backlash if there was any attempt to undermine the Bill.
“It is essential for the health and safety of Victorians that doctors have confidence to continue to practice in the State for the benefit of both the public and private sectors” said Dr Lees.
“The ultimate priority of the medical profession has always been patient care and we want to take the focus off insurance arrangements and back onto the patients where it belongs.”
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