Trump meets Turnbull, praises Australia?s universal healthcare

New York, May 5: US President Dold Trump met with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turbull and praised the country’s universal healthcare system, just moments after a Republican health care bill was passed to repeal and replace Obamacare, the media reported.

“It’s going to be fantastic health care,” CNN quoted Trump as saying during a press conference with Turnbull on Thursday, referring to his new healthcare plan.

“I shouldn’t say this to our great gentleman and my friend from Australia because you have better health care than we do.”

Australia has a universal healthcare system, known as Medicare, which gives citizens free access to doctors and public hospitals paid for by the government.

Australia’s healthcare system is mostly funded by the government while relying on private health insurance for some services.

Meanwhile, the new Republican bill which was passed in the House of Representatives on Thursday evening by a vote of 217-213 will significantly cut the amount of government support for Medicaid, which provides healthcare support to some US citizens.

Trump and Turnbull also downplayed a testy phone exchange that began their working relationship as they met face to face aboard the aircraft carrier Intrepid in Manhattan, The New York Times reported.

“We get along great. We have a fantastic relationship, I love Australia, I always have,” Trump told reporters who witnessed a portion of the meeting between the two leaders in a room near the ship’s main dining area. (IANS)