Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

NZMA calls again for independent health assessment of TPPA

NZMA calls again for independent health assessment of TPPA

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) is extremely disappointed Trade Minister Hon Tim Groser has rejected the call for an independent assessment of the impact of the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement (TPPA) on our health system.

“The NZMA joined with a growing number of health organisations in calling for such an independent assessment,” says NZMA Chair Dr Stephen Child. In a letter in May, the NZMA formally requested a comprehensive, independent Health Impact Assessment (HIA), based on the actual text of the agreement and including input from sector experts.

In his reply, Minister Groser noted that the Government was committed to protecting the fundamentals of the public health system, including PHARMAC. But he rejected a specific HIA in favour of a general National Interest Analysis, including health-related issues.

Dr Child says health equity and public health measures are key advocacy issues for the NZMA. “These include issues surrounding alcohol, tobacco regulation and affordable access to medicine,” he says. “We need to have a clear understanding of the possible effects of the TPPA on current and future policy settings and directions—before we are committed to such a deal.

“Before New Zealand commits to an agreement, we must ensure our ability to achieve legitimate public policy objectives—such as the protection of public health, safety and the environment—is protected. To do this we must have an independent assessment focused on these aspects.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

The United Nations Human Rights Commission recently voiced its concern about the possible ‘chilling effects’ of the Investor-state-dispute settlement (ISDS) chapter in the TPPA. As experience with other free trade agreements has shown, the regulatory functions of many states—and their ability to legislate in the public interest—have been put at risk by the ISDS provisions.

As the UN pointed out: ‘ISDS chapters…provide protection for investors but not for States or for the population. They allow investors to sue States but not vice-versa.’

Increasing numbers of health organisations and individuals have called for an HIA, with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) joining the chorus this week, ahead of this week’s Trans-Pacific Partnership talks in Hawaii.

“With the total lack of transparency around the negotiations so far, we need the assurance an independent assessment can give that our health system and affordable access to medicines will be protected, and the TPPA will not compromise New Zealand’s ability to formulate policies to improve the health of its people,” says Dr Child.

/ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.