Dr Lynda Scott
National Health Spokeswoman

5 April 2004

Labour's policies forcing health graduates out

It is no surprise that Labour's much-heralded Health Workforce Advisory Committee is failing to keep medical graduates in New Zealand, says Dr Lynda Scott, National's Health Spokeswoman.

Dr Scott's comments come in response to figures recently released by the Medical Council that show New Zealand has lost 10% of graduates overseas each year since 1995.

"Three years after Labour setup HWAC and our health service is still suffering workforce retention issues," says Dr Scott.

"And there is no guarantee the current health system will be able to attract enough foreign doctors to fill the gap.

"Instead of wasting money on talkfest committees, Labour would be better to drop its ideological bent and allow more competition in healthcare.

"Increased competition and better use of the private sector will take pressure off burgeoning hospital deficits, give those stuck on waiting lists a chance to get their operations, and provide better pay and conditions for our doctors and nurses.

"Improving the health sector is the only way we will keep our home-grown talent in New Zealand," says Dr Scott

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