7. MARYAN STREET (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Health
Has he received any reports on the importance of investing in primary health?
Hon PETE HODGSON (Minister of Health) Link to this
Yes. Last week’s New Zealand Medical Journal suggested that about 10 percent of the health budget is spent on hospitalisations that could be avoided through earlier treatment and a focus on prevention. The study is a ringing endorsement of the Government’s Primary Health Care Strategy, which takes its next step forward in 2 days’ time. We know that if we make it easier and more affordable to access primary care, we can reduce pressure on our public hospitals and improve the health of our families.
From Saturday the cost of seeing the doctor will fall by as much as $27 for New Zealanders in the 45-64 years age group. The cost of most prescription medicines will drop from $15 to $3. Both moves are ardently opposed by the National Party. We are now just 1 year away from universal access to affordable primary health care. This will be one of the Labour-led Government’s most significant achievements and is a reminder of what can be achieved when we invest in families instead of pouring money into tax cuts for the wealthy.