Document's Approach Welcomed

FROM: Dr John Adams, NZMA Chairman

DATE: Thursday, 15 November 2001

SUBJECT: Document's approach welcomed

The New Zealand Medical Association welcomes the Government's permissive approach to the minimum requirements for Primary Health Organisations (PHOs), which was released today.

NZMA Chairman Dr John Adams said the support of general practice was critical to the success of the Government's Primary Health Care Strategy.

"The Government appears to have listened to the concerns expressed by the NZMA and others that a more restrictive approach would have made it extremely difficult for many existing organisations to evolve into PHOs.

"We are pleased that the document recognises the importance of building on the strengths of existing organisations, including Independent Practitioner Associations, which have been at the forefront of initiatives in primary care.

"We note, however, that the Ministry of Health is to develop a set of guidelines to accompany these minimum requirements. It is important both that the Ministry consults in detail with the medical profession on these guidelines, and that the guidelines do not set new or more onerous restrictions which limit the ability of existing organisations to develop," Dr Adams said.

ENDS

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