Such investigations must treat all participants in a just way. An informed public is needed who are regularly involved in setting health priorities. The benefits are heavily skewed to high income earners, two-thirds of whom already had private health insurance. The cost to revenue far exceeds any financial gain to public hospitals arising from more people with private health insurance. The rebate is providing opportunities for companies like Mayne Nickless to consolidate its position in health care, but without public debate on the merits of this.
Drug companies conduct intensive advertising campaigns among doctors to prescribe their drugs.
The focus of medical research on expensive and exotic topics needs questioning. Most of our public health systems are provided by the States, largely from funds derived from the Commonwealth. While some health services can be effectively provided by the private sector, privatisation of the whole system is likely to result in the incomplete provision of health care, particularly for those on low incomes. Vital approaches to public health promotion and health care which are not profitable would be in danger of being greatly reduced. Mental illness is badly under-funded.