Taxpayer Contribution More Than Double In The Public Hospital System

Taxpayer Contribution More than Double in the Public Hospital System

According to a report released today by the AIHW, Funding Sources for Admitted Patients in Australian Hospitals 2005]06, the taxpayer contribution per episode of care in a public hospital is more than double that of private episodes in private hospitals.

The total tax payer contribution for public episodes is $3,296 and the contribution for private episodes in private hospitals is $1,364.

"Once again, these findings demonstrate that private hospitals offer the Australian taxpayer value for money in providing access to high quality services," said Michael Roff, CEO of the Australian Private Hospitals Association.

"This report makes it clear that any policy change that led to more people relying on the public hospital system would result in significantly higher costs for taxpayers."

Notes to Editors:
The report states the following for the Australian government contribution per episode of care:
*Public: $1,367
*Private in private: $1,364

However the state and territory government contribution is $1,929 per episode of care. This can be found in footnote (c) on page 14 of the report. This means that:
*The tax payer contribution for public episodes is $3,296
*The tax payer contribution for private episodes in private hospitals is $1,364

For more information contact:
Lisa Ramshaw, APHA Public Affairs Manager on
0413 971 999.

SOURCE: Australian Private Hospitals Association