Barbara Stewart MP

Spokesperson for Health
6 March 2014

HEALTH REPORT WHITEWASHED

New Zealand First is disappointed the Government has whitewashed significant health recommendations.

Health Spokesperson Barbara Stewart says the Government has treated the recommendations from Parliament’s Health Select Committee lightly.

“The committee’s report, released in November 2013, included 130 important recommendations.

“It looks like it is business as usual, with the Government still unable to grasp the message that there are long term risks in ignoring programmes that will improve children’s health.

“The committee’s hard work has not paid off. We had looked forward to seeing positive changes for every New Zealand child as the recommendations rolled out.

“Obviously we will see little change,” she says.

“I am particularly frustrated with the lack of acceptance of the oral health recommendations. In the future we will see the negative impact on learning and self-esteem.

“Poor oral health is preventable, it is a shame the Government is reluctant to progress some essential changes.

“They cannot recognise the fact that a focus and investment into the early years of a child’s life has significant returns.

“This was an innovative, far reaching report that has largely been ignored,” says Mrs Stewart.

ENDS

© Scoop Media