NT government ‘urges’ Healthscope, Darwin Private Hospital operator, and AHSA to end feud

Two health behemoths are being urged to bury the hatchet by the Territory government, as the end date for a contract between the two draws closer. Find out more.

A hospital bed. Picture: File

The Northern Territory Government is urging two healthcare behemoths to “work on a deal” which ensures Territorians have more options for the best healthcare available.

NT Health Minister Steve Edgington said he wanted to see Healthscope – the operator of Darwin Private Hospital – come to a new agreement with the Australian Health Service Alliance.

Health Minister Steve Edgington. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Last Friday, Healthscope reached a new agreement with health insurer BUPA, but was yet to strike one with AHSA.

Healthscope’s agreement with AHSA is due to end on March 4, 2025.

Despite one half of the puzzle being complete, the contract termination between Healthscope and AHSA could see more than 50,000 Territorians under certain health funds be forced to pay more for certain treatments.

“The CLP Government welcomes the Healthscope-Bupa deal that will continue to allow more healthcare options for Territorians,” Mr Edgington said.

“The government urges remaining parties to continue to work on a deal to ensure Territorians have more options for the best healthcare available.”

Darwin Private Hospital. Picture: DPH

In the wake of the potentially scrapped contract, Private Healthcare Australia chief executive Dr Rachel David penned a letter calling for Darwin Private Hospital’s licence to be turfed.

Dr David said the Private Health Ombudsman was involved in the latest negotiations between the parties.

Healthscope chief commercial officer Dhruv Gupta said the company had agreements with four of Australia’s five major insurance groups – Bupa, Medibank, NIB, HCF.

“It’s disappointing that the AHSA has so far declined to recognise and address the increasing costs of providing private hospital care for their members,” he said.

“Nevertheless, we remain ready to work with the AHSA, to reach an agreement that acknowledges the vast funding gap that currently exists.”

The AHSA was contacted for comment.

Originally published as NT government ‘urges’ Healthscope, Darwin Private Hospital operator, and AHSA to end feud