Patient subsidy issues not resolved

Representatives from the IPA Council, NZMA, RNZCGP and RGPN met today with the Ministry of Health to discuss the dispute over the patient fee subsidy programme.

General practice announced last week that it wanted to pass on patient subsidies but could not provide information requested by the Ministry of Health.

Dr Foley said today’s meeting was only a first step in a renegotiation of the relationship between general practice and the Ministry.

“We delivered a clear message today that this is a matter of far more importance than just the new requirements. We want an agreement on the nature and the principles of the relationship between us.

“We did not hear anything from the Ministry today that gives us reason to change our current advice to general practice.

“We are keen to pass on the 18-24 patient subsidy, so we are looking to a positive response from the Ministry.

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