Health Minister Annette King said today New Zealanders had responded positively to the primary health care discussion document she launched on March 27.

More than 300 submissions on The Future Shape of Primary Health Care had been received by June 1, she said.

"Some of the responses are particularly detailed, and while the content has not been analysed yet, it is clear there is general support for the direction in which the Government wants to take primary care."

Mrs King said some organisations had been granted extensions beyond the May 26 deadline.

"Besides the written submissions, there has been widespread discussion on the document. More than 40 consultation meetings have been held around the country since the document was launched."

Mrs King said the Ministry of Health would now start to analyse feedback and expected to be able to present her with its report by the middle of next month.

"I will take a close interest in all the submissions, and I expect the final version of the document to be ready toward the end of the year."

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