DHB Deficits Blow Out - Again

Friday 3 Oct 2003 Heather Roy Press Releases -- Health

ACT New Zealand Health Spokesman Heather Roy today expressed concern, but not surprise, that the combined deficits of New Zealand's District Health Boards have blown out again - in light of new information showing deficits have hit $5.7 million for August.

"The combined deficits for New Zealand's DHBs originally forecast an August deficit of $0.5 million. Yet answers to my written Parliamentary Questions have revealed that the actual deficit has reached $5.7 million for the month," Mrs Roy said.

"This is extremely worrying. For the past two years, Health Minister Annette King has trumpeted so-called large cash injections into DHBs. But, each year, she has suffered the humiliation of having to announce blowouts of more than $180 million in Boards' deficits.

"This year is no different. The Minister claims she will cut the 2003/04 year deficit to $-80 million. The trouble is, however, that the deficits have ballooned by over $5 million more than planned for August - raising serious questions over whether we will see a massive blow-out for a record third year.

"I am calling on Ms King to explain why DHB deficits are blowing out so early in the year. She must explain to the public what she will do to ensure services aren't cut further to rein in these recurring deficits," 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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