Fed: Australia risks losing obstetricians - AMA

AAP General News (Australia)
12-06-2001
Fed: Australia risks losing obstetricians - AMA

The Australian Medical Association says the nation risks losing obstetricians within
the next 12 months due to a medical indemnity crisis.

AMA president KERRYN PHELPS warns that obstetricians, and in particular rural GPs performing
deliveries, will quit unless a national solution is found to the problem.

And she says a drop in the number of obstetricians will lead to more baby deaths.

Dr PHELPS says medical indemnity concerns will be an urgent issue for discussion when
she meets new federal Health Minister KAY PATTERSON within the next fortnight.

She says the issue will come to a head soon with insurance premiums due out to doctors
in the next three weeks.

Dr PHELPS says GPs are facing skyrocketing medical indemnity insurance premiums to
cover high-risk specialists.

AMA vice-president TREVOR MUDGE says unless the problem is addressed Australia is likely
to lose its obstetricians.

AAP RTV sm/daw/aa/jh

KEYWORD: INDEMNITY (CANBERRA)

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