Why It's Important Pap Smears Stay Free

No pun intended...

Hello,

I just signed the petition, "Health Minister Susan Ley: Liberal Government: Keep pap smears and pathology services free!."

I think this is important. Will you sign it too?

Here's the link:

http://www.change.org/p/health-minister-susan-ley-liberal-government-keep-pap-smears-and-pathology-services-free

Thanks,

Sarah

"We demand pap smears and pathology services remain free of charge.

It is disgusting that your government is cutting bulk billing incentives for pap smears, MRI's, urine/blood tests, X-rays and ultrasounds. According to the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia president Michael Harrison, the cuts will force patients to pay at least $30 for a pap smear, urine or blood test. The Australian Diagnostic Imaging Association claims people could pay up to $173 for an MRI scan.

These cuts are unfair to the average Australian, but will especially hurt women. Free and accessible pathology tests are key to ensuring early detection of cervical cancer, STI's, UTI's and pregnancy. Late detection will lead to MORE cost to the taxpayer in the long run. These essential services are a backbone of our world class healthcare system.

This is yet another attack by a Liberal government on Australia's already cash-starved Medicare system. Sussan Ley, stop trying to distance yourself from the inevitable outcome - by your cutting subsidies for practitioners and pathology companies, they're forced to charge a fee to make up for the loss, which will fall unfairly on patients across the country.

We won't stand for it. We demand the Liberal government scrap this policy and ensure that pap smears and pathology services remain free.

Come along to a rally in your city on 20th February. Check specific Facebook event for details:

Sydney event: https://www.facebook.com/events/125663497809971/

Newcastle event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1040973152621331/

Melbourne event: https://www.facebook.com/events/168635080164318/

Adelaide event: https://www.facebook.com/events/497916927055345/

Perth event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1067085269989535/

Brisbane event: https://www.facebook.com/events/652340224908325/

Sources:

http://www.mamamia.com.au/medicare-pap-smears-not-free/ http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/shorten-rejects-medicare-changes/news-story/f71921dfe52f4ffefbbb80d441350019 "