Doctors Not Being Fully Funded for under-13 Checks
Barbara Stewart MP
New Zealand First
Spokesperson for
Health
30 NOVEMBER 2016
Doctors Not Being Fully Funded for under-13 Checks
The government’s underfunding of the under-13 GP checks means that general practices are struggling to meet demand, says New Zealand First.
“GP’s are undertaking many under-13 consultations than they are paid for as demand has steadily increased,” says New Zealand First Health Spokesperson Barbara Stewart
“The funding is for two annual visits for each child. Since the introduction of the scheme last year, numbers have increased from just over one visit per child to over two.
“Even with the increase of under-13 visits, the government refuses to properly fund GP’s to meet demand, so the cost is passed on to patients.
“This is not a government providing healthcare to all Kiwis.
“When will the government realise their penny pinching is having a serious effect on the health of all New Zealanders, says Mrs Stewart.
“National pilfered the under-13s free GP checks from New Zealand First policy. We would have ensured there was adequate funding for all under-13s.”
ENDS