Whitlam was warned by all and sundry before he introduced "Medibank" not to do it - the best example was Great Britain who implemented a similar scheme some years before. Prior to Medicare, people , if they wanted to, paid about .5% of their salary to the private companies and if they needed Hospital or medical care then all costs were covered. Emergency or casualty wards were just that - emergency and casualty. After Medicare people were basically told that if you didn't feel well you can present at the local Hospital for no charge instead of attending your local Dr. and perhaps have to pay for the diagnosis. Result is that everyone goes to the casualty for minor complaints leaving the "big cases" lined up behind - has led to deaths.
Thje "Medicare" levy now far outstrips the original %age payments per wage that people made to the funds before it's implementation, subsequently because of the increase in health care costs the "funds" have also increased subscription costs, and if you're really ill you'll now wait up to 12 hours in a waiting room for help.
The one positive benefit that Whitlam implemented was a general "widows pension".
