Grant Batchelor, who is medically exempt from wearing a mask, was turned away from Echuca-Moama Family Medical Practice after needing a blood test recently.
“I was wearing a badge explaining I had a medical exemption and I had the letter from my doctor on my phone, as well as paperwork stating I could only get a blood test from their clinic,” he said.
“However, the woman at the front desk said, ‘you’re not coming in here without a mask’.”
“I can’t wear a mask because I have 15-20 per cent decreased lung capacity, which makes it difficult to breathe.
“I’m a big guy, but a gentle guy. I was civil and tried to explain the situation but she did not want to hear it.
“I should have been treated with courtesy and respect.”
Eventually, Mr Batchelor put on an emergency mask he had in his car.
“I don’t like confrontation so if I see that someone is not seeing sense and reason, I will give in,” he said.
“It was extremely uncomfortable wearing the mask and did affect my ability to breathe.”
Mr Batchelor said it was not the first time he had been discriminated against.
He said he had been verbally abused in public by several people in the community.
“Even though I am wearing my badge, people feel the need to abuse me for not wearing a mask,” he said.
“I feel like I’ve been treated like a social leper.”
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, a person who is affected by a relevant medical condition, including problems with their breathing, a serious condition of the face, a disability or a mental health condition is exempt from wearing a face mask.
A DHHS spokesperson said while its priority was keeping people safe to help minimise the spread of coronavirus, there were lawful reasons for not wearing a mask, such as being affected by a relevant medical condition.
“You do not need a medical certificate stating that you have a lawful reason for not wearing a face mask. If you have a lawful reason for not wearing a face mask, you do not need to apply for an exemption or permit,” the spokesperson said.
However, EMFMP manager Paula Judd said wearing a face mask was the policy of the practice for safety of patients and staff.
She said the only way patients could enter without a face mask was if a doctor at the practice had granted them a medical exemption.
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