Pacific Provider Development Fund

27 November 2001

Geographical areas with a high level of need and population will be the focus of new initiatives to improve the overall health and reduce social inequalities for Pacific people.

The initiatives will be funded under the Pacific Provider Development Fund, which was reinstated by the Government last year when it announced funding of $15 million over three years.

This year the fund will be allocated by the Ministry of Health in consultation with District Health Boards and the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs.

Chief Advisor Pacific Health, Audrey Aumua said there are four priority areas for Pacific Provider Development initiatives:

strengthening existing Pacific providers development of the existing workforce workforce and leadership scholarships best practice and research

The initiatives were developed following community consultation with the Ministry of Health and after an evaluative survey was carried out on Pacific health providers last year.

"Ultimately the focus is to strengthen existing provider organisational structures, support providers to effectively deliver health services and build a highly skilled Pacific workforce in the health and disability sector."

The Ministry of Health has released guidelines for Pacific providers who wish to apply for funds under the Pacific Provider Development Fund. The guidelines can be requested from the Pacific Health Branch of the Ministry of Health. Applications for funding are due with the Ministry by midday 16 January 2002.

A further initiative to ensure that health and disability services for Pacific people are affordable, effective and responsive, has been the completion of the Pacific Health and Disability Action Plan.

Ms Aumua said the Pacific Action Plan was developed following national consultations with Pacific communities last year. The Pacific Action Plan sets out the path and actions that will assist District Health Boards and the Ministry of Health in their work to reduce health inequalities between Pacific and non-Pacific peoples.

"If we use the opportunities presented in the Pacific Health and Disability Action Plan we can improve health, reduce inequalities and offer higher quality care for Pacific people".

The Pacific Health and Disability Action plan will be publicly released next year.

ENDS

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