11. MARYAN STREET (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Health
What progress has been made in ensuring long-term, affordable access to prescription drugs and doctors’ visits for all New Zealanders?
Hon PETE HODGSON (Minister of Health) Link to this
An agreement reached yesterday means that the roll-out of cheaper doctors’ visits and low-cost prescription drugs for 45-year-olds to 64-year-olds will proceed from 1 July this year, and for all New Zealanders from 1 July next year. Importantly, the agreement allows general practitioners to protect the viability of their practices, and allows the Government to future-proof the primary health care strategy. This is a victory for general practice, it is a victory for the Labour-led Government, but, most important, it is a victory for the health of New Zealand families.
What is the cost of this year’s roll-out of the primary health care strategy, and has the Minister had any reports on alternative policies for this age group?