Grant

ROBERTSON

Health Spokesperson

10 November 2011 MEDIA STATEMENT
This is not a health policy Mr Ryall
National's ‘new’ health policy is an embarrassment, and fails to say anything about how National will actually focus on keeping New Zealanders healthy or getting them more affordable primary care, says Labour’s Health spokesperson Grant Robertson.

"It's all ambulance at the bottom of the cliff stuff from Tony Ryall and National.

“The so-called ‘policy’ is simply a continuation of the focus on National’s manufactured targets and political slogans, with no commitment to the range of policies that are needed to improve New Zealanders’ health and well-being,” Grant Robertson said.

"Where are the policies to ensure there are more affordable and accessible visits to doctors and other primary care providers? Where is the plan to reduce the impact of the obesity epidemic? What about dental health?

“This is an embarrassing effort by National and by Tony Ryall."

"Depite the policy covering only a narrow range of issues, there are some serious short-comings.

“Just last week the Taranaki District Health Board pointed out it would need to tighten waiting list criteria to meet the waiting times target. The new policy makes this kind of situation even more likely.

“Tony Ryall needs to focus on the health of New Zealanders rather than his coloured graphs and charts.

"When it comes to the funding of the promises on surgery, once again, the Minister is playing games. There is no new funding being made available.

“Instead there will be further cuts to other parts of the Health budget. Mr Ryall needs to properly explain where the money for his promises will be coming from. The ever-giving asset sales slush fund, perhaps?

"Labour has produced a comprehensive policy that is focused on the long term health of New Zealanders, by prioritising prevention, access to primary care and the health of children.

“Our approach will make a difference to our future well-being. National’s is a short-term political game,” Grant Robertson said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media