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Otago
Daily Times
June 17 2004
Liars and bludgers taking advantage of ACC
Letter to the Editor
by Dr K P Shannon, City Rise
There are roughly 190 countries in the world. Only one, New Zealand, is stupid enough to
have an ACC scheme or anything similar. Over the past 30 years there has been
a steady stream of claimants, some genuine but many liars and bludgers. The
back "injury" (alleged back "injury" is the better term)
is the best known example and the names of the "easy" general
practitioners are common knowledge, especially in the smaller towns.
As a doctor in general medical
practice intermittently in New
Zealand until 14 years ago, I well
remember the last locum I did in the Wairarapa. A back "injury"
patient came in with his ACC form to continue his payments. I still remember
the look of horror on his face when I wanted to actually examine him. The
work passed quickly to the local boozer and billiard room.
Is Peter Sara (11.6.04) aware of
the miracle enacted in New
Zealand every March? As the roar of the
rutting red deer echoes through the valleys of
rural New Zealand.
back "injury" patients leap from their beds of pain and,
shouldering their 50kg packs and trusty rifles, head into the rugged
hinterland - a medical marvel.
The back "injury" is
largely a male phenomenon. So females can also get a slice of the cake we
have the "sexual abuse" racket.
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