Federal Health Minister suspects Medicare problems are ‘costing lives’

The Federal Health Minister had conceded problems with Medicare are costing lives.

Health Minister Mark Butler says “Medicare is in the worst shape it’s been in in 40 years”.

“It’s a product of the financial pressure that came from that Medicare rebate, added to the fact we’re getting older, there’s much more chronic disease and on top of that you’ve got a once-in-a-century pandemic. It’s a perfect storm hitting an exhausted healthcare system.”

NEIL MITCHELL: “Some people tell me they just can’t afford to go [to the GP] so they don’t. Do you accept it’s costing lives?”

MARK BUTLER: “Yes, I suspect it is costing lives.”

Press PLAY below to hear Mr Butler’s view on how the healthcare system is functioning

Image: Martin Ollman/Getty Images