Pressure from The Nationals and their Liberal colleagues and ophthalmologists has forced a Rudd Government backflip on its attempts to slash rebates for sight-saving cataract operations, according to The Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams.

“Three times late last year, Health Minister Nicola Roxon attempted to halve the rebate for cataract surgery from $623 to between $312 and $370,” Senator Williams said.

“The outcome was that many people who were losing their eyesight, especially those in regional Australia, were forced to pay more, postpone or cancel planned operations – it is hard to think of a more cruel Government decision.”

“And this comes from a Prime Minister who promised before the election that he would fix our hospitals and that when it came to health the buck stops with him.”

“Fortunately the Coalition in the Senate along with other non-Labor Senators were able to overturn this health cut and the rebate has now been set at $549.”

“This is a big win for regional Australians and their hard-working ophthalmologists.”

Senator Williams said the seriousness of the attempted cataract rebate cut had been highlighted by the dilemma facing respected Armidale ophthalmologist Dr. Mark Morgan.

“Dr. Morgan travels to Inverell, a distance of 130 kilometres each way, once a month to operate at the Inverell Hospital.

Apart from his travel costs, Dr. Morgan pays two staff, rents facilities at the Inverell Hospital and provides his own equipment, whilst also maintaining his practice in Armidale.

Dr. Morgan says whilst the cutting of the rebate by any percentage is not ideal, it is a much better outcome than originally proposed by the Government, and he would be continuing his service to the Inverell community.

No doubt this will be the case across regional Australia because of the actions of the Coalition in the Senate", Senator Williams said.

ENDS