Minister ignores desperate measures for GP services

Health Minister Annette King cannot sit by and ignore the desperate measures taken by three health workers hunger striking for services in Taumarunui, says National Health Spokesperson Dr Lynda Scott.

“The Minister must be concerned that Dr Suresh Vatsyayann and two practice nurses will stop drinking water tomorrow in their bid to get funding for an extra GP needed in Taumarunui.

“The Minister and the Ministry of Health’s main concern should be whether there are adequate GP services in this area.

“Instead of addressing the issue they are hiding behind a piece of legislation which prevents Dr Vatsyayann from being funded when he has been funded to provide a one-day-a-week service to Wairoa in the past. There is clearly a need here for patients. That need should come first.

“I am concerned that this doctor and his nurses are having to go to such extreme measures in order to be heard by the Minister and the Ministry. This doctor wants to service patients, but it is his view that he has no other option but to take extreme measures to get the result the community needs,” Dr Scott said.

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