Doctors’ fees
Sir,—Selwyn Carson (June 20) has raised a vital question: Is the average New Zealander aware of the true cost of medical care? Answer: No. Why? Because the average New Zealand doctor has never presented the total cost of medical care to the patient and, indeed, probably does not wish to. Subsidy and benefits (“Claimed on the patients’ behalf”) have subtly concealed the “price” of health from the public. Subsidy, benefits (G.M.S.), S.M.P.s, A.C.C., Family Care, D.P.8., superannuation, etc.—all political ploys to win elections and stay in power. What choice? User pays, State pays, or both? Confused? The Government is. The doctors are. Do the patients care? They are the political pawns.—Yours, etc.,
GRAHAM M. PATRICK. June 22, 1986.
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Press, 24 June 1986, Page 20
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120Doctors’ fees Press, 24 June 1986, Page 20
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