1st July subsidy increases

Friday 28th June 2007

1st July subsidy increases

The New Zealand Medical Association welcomes the roll-out of the final stage of primary health care funding (for 25-44 year olds) on 1 July.

"Patients in the 25-44 year age group will now benefit from this subsidy, as those in other age groups already have," said NZMA GP Council Chair Dr Mark Peterson.

"With this subsidy, patients in this last age group will find that the cost of going to their GP, and of their prescriptions, will now decrease."

"The NZMA supports the Primary Health Care Strategy's aims of improving New Zealanders' access to primary health care. It is a pity that General Practice has had to endure the distraction of DHB fees reviews as it can be demonstrated that doctors have consistently passed on the increased subsidies to their patients."

Public opinion surveys consistently show that GPs are among the most respected and trusted professional occupational groups. GPs provide reliable and high quality care, and access to this health care has been improved thanks to increased Government subsidies.

ENDS

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