Libertarianz Deputy Leader and Masterton GP Richard McGrath backed National MP Lynda Scott's call for urgent action to stop rural doctors walking away from their practices, but suggested a slightly different approach from the one suggested by Dr. Scott.

"Michael Cullen should announce an immediate exemption from all forms of taxation for rural doctors," smiled Dr. McGrath, freely admitting that he would probably gain from such a move.

"This could be coupled with the abolition of all taxpayer subsidies for medical care," he added, saying that doctors, as much as anyone else, need to wean themselves off the State tit.

"Since the days of Michael Savage, GPs have gorged hungrily on Nanny's nipple. It's time they were tossed off the benefit and allowed to market their services unhindered by an addiction to OPiuM - Other People's Money."

Libertarianz would dissolve the Medical Council and speed up the immigration process for doctors from other countries. "In fact, we would allow open entry to this country to anyone, provided they obeyed the laws of the land and didn't expect to sponge off others," stated Dr. McGrath.

"Dr. Scott, unfortunately, believes that the solution to a problem created by Statist politicians is yet more government intervention," he said. "Perhaps a hands-off policy would be best here. Leave doctors free to charge the true market value of the services they offer, and stop the IRD from stealing half of what they earn."

He added that the money saved from ending subsidies for medical treatment could be used to boost the police force, "in particular their efforts to catch people who tax banks at gunpoint."

It's enough to make you vote Libertarianz!

ENDS

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