Paul Hutchison MP
National Party Health Spokesman

27 July 2005

Labour’s pledge for under-sixes’ GP visits broken

Labour has failed in its 1999 pledge to maintain free GP visits for children under six, says National’s Health spokesman, Paul Hutchison.

The pledge said “My commitment to you. We will deliver…Labour will maintain access to free doctors visits for children under six years of age”.

Dr Hutchison says he randomly telephoned four practices around the country today and found that prices for under-sixes varied from $3 in South Auckland, $15 in Auckland, $10-$15 in Christchurch Central, to a PHO in Miramar, Wellington - the Health Minister’s own electorate - where the cost was $18, or $15 ‘if you pay in cash on the day’.

“Ms King should not blame the hard-working doctors of New Zealand. This is a patient subsidy and it is up to the Government whether or not they make it realistic.

“Ms King should come forward and admit that the promises made in Labour’s 1999 pledge card have not come to fruition.

“She should also admit that Labour has for six years presided over a wasteful and inefficient health system, and that people would be foolish to take Labour’s 2005 election pledge card seriously,” says Dr Hutchison.

ENDS

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