OPSO Media Release.

We have been advised by Val French, President of Older People Speak Out (OPSO) that the following media release has been sent out.

Media Release by OPSO

OPSO supports the patients in the Prime Minister’s electorate in their fight to keep their medical practice alive.

OPSO president Val French said the shortage of general practitioners in that electorate was reflected across Australia.

“This is partly the result of insufficient graduates to replace those retiring through age or moving to less stressful areas of medicine, but in inner city areas it is compounded by regulations making over -seas trained doctors ineligible for a Medicare Provider number for day-time practice.

“A suggested six month moratorium on these regulations would solve immediate problems.

“Long term the recommendation from Stones Corner General Practice Dr Janet Clarkson that there be new legislation to allow doctors who have practised for three years in rural Australia unrestricted provider privileges has a great deal of merit."

Val French,
President Older People Speak Out.
0419020924