30 August 2005

Progressive prescription for a healthier New Zealand

Advocate for the following steps towards free health care for all New Zealander:

Free GP visits for those under 18 and over 65

Free prescriptions for those under 18 and over 65

Create a specific fund to reduce hospital waiting lists

Oppose income testing for those in geriatric care

Further extend education/demand reduction programmes about, and treatment programmes for, those suffering from alcohol and drug abuse

Continue to lead a public health campaign against youth binge drinking

Strengthen liquor broadcasting rules

Strengthen the law against supplying alcohol to minors

Raise the purchasing age for alcohol to 20

This is on top of what the party delivered in government this year

$13.5 million to continue the fight against drug abuse and suicide, of which $8.3 million is for a National Depression Campaign

As well as the previous year’s funding of $53.6 million secured to fight “P” and other drug abuse

That funding included the free 1 for 1 needle exchange as a public health measure to stop the spread of aids

This goes hand in hand with our policies for improving access to good housing, education, full employment, regional development and social services

ENDS