If your neighbourhood has a problem, such as lack of GPs, you can choose to ride with reality or make waves.
In Canberra's north, the frustrated citizens are choosing action over inertia and, in doing so, are finding a solution in one of our oldest institutions – the co-operative.
The co-op is owned by its patients – 33,028 people – who pay a joining fee of $30 and an annual fee of $100 – or $10 a month – to see a doctor.
Are they better off, rather than seeing a private GP, paying around $70 and receiving about half back through Medicare?
That depends on your individual circumstances but the scheme is proving popular – it has signed up the equivalent of 10 per cent of Canberra's population.
Read the rest at The Canberra Times
Go to the GEO front page
Add new comment