Labour Keeping Us In The Third World

Tuesday 24 Jun 2003 Heather Roy Press Releases -- Health

ACT New Zealand Health Spokesman Heather Roy today warned that, should the Labour Government be allowed to continue with its current health policies, New Zealand would never move above its 41st placing in the World Health Organisation league for healthcare.

"Race-based health spending, the closure of psychiatric hospitals, and Labour's ideological opposition to private sector contribution in health are keeping us behind countries like Colombia in our ability to offer effective healthcare," Mrs Roy said.

"Saving the health system does not rest with increasing funding - the problems are in systemic mismanagement. Other methods of funding - as well as reallocation of existing funding - must be found, in order to satisfy patient needs.

"Health is one of New Zealand's most important issues, and is linked to such areas as welfare and education. The Labour Government, however, chooses to see it as an isolated portfolio - with statistics and numbers, rather than patients and families.

"Labour's policies must change. Heart patients are dying on waiting lists, and eye surgery patients are in danger of losing their sight. We need to encourage non-Government provision of healthcare facilities and services, and there is much to be gained by the private and public health sectors working co-operatively.

"But the most serious problem is that of race-based health spending. All New Zealanders should have access to good quality healthcare based on their individual needs - not the colour of their skin, or where they live. New Zealand needs a health system that gives people freedom, and choice, to take responsibility for their own wellbeing," Mrs Roy said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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