Drs.org.au - Doctors & medical students for health care reform, Australia
Title
Doctors Reform Society of Australia: Health Care Reform
Description
The Doctors Reform Society (DRS) was formed in 1973 to support a proposal for a publicly-funded universal health insurance system. Medibank (now Medicare) was successfully created despite opposition from the Australian Medical Association. Now all Australians have health insurance and access to a free public hospital system, and the DRS continues to lobby for further improvements.
The DRS produces a journal New Doctor and local newsletters. Media releases are regularly issued. Articles and letters from members frequently appear in the press. National conferences are held annually and an extensive policy document has been developed. All members' views are valued, and open debate on all health issues is encouraged both within and outside the organization. A public discussion board focusing on health politics runs on this website. The Friends of Medicare "Fact Sheets" are also available.
The DRS functions as a medico-political think tank, a lobby group and a public resource centre. It is not affiliated to any political party, receives no corporate funding, and relies financially on subscriptions and donations. The DRS will speak out against any political party, organization or individual that threatens public health care.
