WA Government wants Federal Budget support for MRI at Princess Margaret

13/5/02
Health Minister Bob Kucera said he was heartened by reports that tomorrow's Federal Budget would contain a large allocation for radiological technology.
Mr Kucera said he hoped some of the money would be committed to ensure access to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology was made fairer - especially for children.
The State Government has been battling with the Commonwealth to secure a Medicare licence for an MRI at Princess Margaret Hospital.
The State Government will purchase the $2million machine if the Commonwealth issues a Medicare licence to help off-set its running costs.
Reports today indicate that $70million will be spent over four years upgrading radiological oncology services in the bush.
Mr Kucera said children from all over WA would benefit from a Medicare-licensed MRI at PMH as the State's only tertiary hospital.
"It is absolutely vital that tomorrow's Federal Budget recognises the unique needs of children in a State such as Western Australia - especially kids with cancer," he said.
"All indications are that this will be a horror Budget for health - but the Federal Treasurer would go some way to softening the blow if money was allocated to pay for the running costs of an MRI at Princess Margaret."
Minister's office: 9213 7000