It’s understandable that the costs for life have skyrocketed after COVID-19. It has impacted everyone. But the general public is affected far more than executives and professionals. 

Unfortunately wages have not increased anywhere, but the profiteers have increased the costs of their commodities and services. This factor has badly impacted medical sector in Australia, where a lot of medical centres were forced to shut down as costs of running the centre and profit goals cannot be achieved through payments made by Bulk Billing System. 

But in this all situation, neither the medical practitioners took any responsibility nor the government. All burden has been shifted to poor masses, who are struggling to save a roof on their head and put bread on the table. 

ALP had taken stance against coalition to protect the Medicare. They are celebrating 40th anniversary of Medicare. But it seems it’s only card’s birthday. They have only protected the green card, not the system. 

If ALP government is sincere in saving Medicare, they must revise payments to meet needs of GPs as well take n necessary steps to lower the costs of medical practices and practitioners. For example, insurances can be fixed price and regulated same is as work cover is controlled by QLD government. Further tax brackets for the medical practitioners (especially GPs) should be revisited and redefined to lower their tax liabilities. 

Australian government literally needs to take the burden of Medicare system and stop doctors (GPs) from charging patients directly. 

Government must Stop General Practitioner (GP) and medical centers from excessively charging for their services through collusively volarizing their services and rejecting Bulk billing. Many medical centers across QLD and some other places are not accepting Bulk Billing and are turning away patients if they cannot pay from their pocket. This practice goes against the principles of Medicare. They are setting a minimum price of $66.00 for a 10-15 minute consultation, while Medicare reimburses them around $44.00 for a basic consultation. This madness needs to be stopped through proper regulations and law enforcement. 

It must be noted that there are still noble practitioners and centres across Australia, who still rely on Bulk Billing. We request the government to intervene and ensure a uniform medical practices across Australia and stop greedy doctors from exterminating and excessively profiteering. 

Federal government must sit with their representative bodies and find a solution to save labour government’s gift given to nation. Otherwise at its 40th year, Medicare seems to be dying. 
Medicare rebates must be increased in a reasonable way and a total overhaul of the system is required to address issues like insurances, taxes, GST and relevant costs so as the cost of medical spendings can be brought down.