Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Otago's ballooning deficit will mean service cuts
Otago's ballooning deficit will mean cuts to
services
The Otago District Health Board's ballooning deficit shows the Government is neglecting core health services in the region, says National Health Spokesperson Dr Lynda Scott.
"The Government's main pledge regarding health was that it would "focus on patients, not profit" before the last election.
"Otago people are now seeing there is no substance to those promises. This large deficit means reduced services and longer waits for surgery.
"The result is a severe rationing of secondary services. Otago's hospitals and patients are the losers, and the effect is wide-reaching in Otago and Southland.
"In contrast the Government is spending $400m on Primary Health Organisations (PHOs), where the funding for doctors' visits is unfair and based on race and location. They are pouring money into these flawed PHOs and neglecting secondary services.
"Patients will suffer and it begs the question
as to why anyone in Otago who cares about health would vote
for Labour," Dr Scott said.
Gordon Campbell: On unemployment, Winston Peters’ low boiling point and music criticism
Labour Party: National Gaslights Women Fighting For Equal Pay
The Treasury: New Treasury Paper On The Productivity Slowdown
NZ Government: Government Recommits To Equal Pay
Emily Ireland - Local Democracy Reporter: Deputy Mayor ‘disgusted’ By Response To Georgina Beyer Sculpture
Te Pāti Māori: Māori Unemployment Rate Increases By More Than Four-Times National Rates
Government: Streamlining Building Consent Changes
