Fed: PM says states should match hospital funding if they care

00-00-0000
Fed: PM says states should match hospital funding if they care

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD says premiers and chief ministers should match the Commonwealth'soffer of public hospital funding.

The federal government has offered $42 billion over the next five years under the AustralianHealth Care Agreements, conditional on states matching the funding.

But the states have rejected the deal, claiming it offers $1 billion less than theprevious agreements.

However, Mr HOWARD claims it's a 17 per cent real increase in funding.

He told Channel Ten that if state leaders are interested in the health of the peoplewho live in their states, they should match the Commonwealth's offer.

AAP RTV sm/jas

KEYWORD: HEALTH HOWARD (CANBERRA)