GP co-payment a 'disaster'

Puntukurnu Medical Service may follow the lead of other indigenous health providers in Australia and waive the Federal Government's proposed $7 co-payment.

Speaking about the Aboriginal Health Council of WA's comments that remote services will bear the brunt of the payment, health services manager Arlene Ackland said Puntukurnu was considering absorbing the cost.

"We would not want to burden the communities, so if we can bear the brunt of the payment we will do that," she said.

"It is just weird because they have had this Close the Gap campaign and now they want to slug an extra charge for medical services.

"The Government shouldn't put more hurdles for people to jump - they should smooth the way for disadvantaged people to access the health services they need."

Ms Ackland said the co-payment would hurt Puntukurnu, which already has the high operating costs inherent in servicing very remote communities.

AHCWA chairwoman Marelda Tucker said the co-payment would be a disaster for indigenous people.

"Many Aboriginal people will be unable to afford to visit the doctor when they or their children are sick," she said.

"With fewer patients, there will be less income and many will have to cut services or close their doors.

"In regional areas such as the Pilbara, our Aboriginal health services are sometimes the only option for treatment."

Ms Tucker said there was a possibility indigenous communities could lose access to healthcare services.

The Federal Government is currently reshaping the policy in order to gain support in the Senate after several Coalition ministers expressed concern recently.