As a way to fix the broken Medicare system, Associate Professor Fiona McDonald from the Australian Centre for Health Law Research at the Queensland University of Technology suggests making a bold restructuring effort.

Medicare will be restricted to GPs who agree to bulk bill all patients, while those who choose not to will need to rely solely on out-of-pocket payments. Fair remuneration should underpin all this.

Australian Medical Association (AMA) Vice President Dr Danielle McMullen thinks such a proposal is inherently unfair to all Australians who should have equal access to medical health care. Moreover, she predicted it would take ages to implement, whereas Australians desperately need a practical solution now.

Produced By: Cindy Paskalina

Featured In Story: Associate Professor Fiona McDonald from the Australian Centre for Health Law Research at the Queensland University of Technology, and Australian Medical Association (AMA) Vice President Dr Danielle McMullen

First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 12 April 2023