Labour’s Fresh Approach To Funding General Practice Has Merit

The General Practice Owners Association (GenPro) has cautiously welcomed the Labour Party’s proposal to establish an independent, evidence-based approach to funding general practice in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“We support the intent to create a fairer, more transparent process for determining funding for general practice,” says Dr Angus Chambers, Chair of GenPro. “This is a positive step toward ensuring frontline services receive the support they need.”

The proposal, outlined by Labour health spokesperson Dr Ayesha Verrall in New Zealand Doctor, recommends removing Health New Zealand from the annual contract negotiation process and replacing it with an independent pricing system. The goal: to deliver consistent, data-driven funding decisions that reflect the realities of running a general practice.

“Decoupling funding decisions from Health New Zealand could help redirect resources to where they’re most needed—on the ground, in communities,” says Dr Chambers.

To be effective, GenPro believes the independent model must:

• Address not only rising business costs but all factors impacting the viability and sustainability of general practices;
• Enable general practice providers to contribute through high-quality submissions and consultation;
• Be guided by robust financial expertise and a deep understanding of the general practice business model.

“We expect an independent approach to improve on the current system and look forward to engaging further with the Labour Party to ensure this proposal delivers meaningful change,” Dr Chambers adds.

GenPro members are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information visit www.genpro.org.nz 

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