DOCTORS REFORM SOCIETY
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
MENTAL HEALTH FUNDING STILL MISSING THE MOST NEEDY
“It’s time the Federal Government recognised that the well intentioned funding of access to
psychologists for those with mental health conditions is missing the most needy because it
is a flawed program,” said Dr Tim Woodruff, president, Doctors Reform Society.
“Average costs of copayments of $35 ensure that the inverse care law applies ie that the
most needy get the least care and the least needy get the most care,” said Dr Woodruff.
“Private fee for service funding ensures that patients who live in areas of workforce
shortage continue to miss out because there are not enough GPs or psychologists to provide
the service.”
“The budget blowout to twice what was expected is an indication of the need for the
services but the money is being spent inefficiently and inequitably”, said Dr Woodruff. “It’s
time the Federal Government recognised that it is a flawed funding model. They should
incorporate funding for psychologists into a needs based regional funding model which aims
to get the money spent on those with the greatest need, not the most healthy credit card.”
Dr Tim Woodruff
Dr Con Costa
President
Vice President
Doctors Reform Society
Ph 0418400309
Ph 0401042619
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