An oncologist behind a proposal to give patients in Otago and Southland the option of paying for extra treatments not funded by the health system, says the plan would simply offer a service available elsewhere.
A discussion document called "Bridging the Gap" suggests public hospital patients be able to access treatments which are available privately.
The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists says it will mean those with more money receive preferential treatment
But Chris Jackson, of Dunedin, says it will simply give patients the option of accessing care not currently available in the region.
