Monday 7th November

Australia has one of the most balanced health systems in the world and though there are pressures on it it is important that we do not dismantle the fundamentals of the system which do deliver some of the best health outcomes in the world. In assessing the fundamental principals which underpin a good health system, we often use the acronym “IQAAC”. • “I” stands for independence; Independence of the profession, independence of the doctor/patient relationship. • “Q” for quality and improved risk management to reduce the number of preventable adverse outcomes in our system. • “A” for access and affordablity, two key elements by which health systems need to be judged, particularly in relation to the geographically diverse population that Australia is confronted with. • Finally “C” for choice, the choice of doctor, choice of the system that which you the patient may have access to.