Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Women waiting longer for free mammograms


Women waiting longer for free mammograms

Women are being forced to wait more than two years before they can even get an appointment on the BreastScreen Aotearoa programme, says National’s Health spokeswoman, Dr Lynda Scott.

“GPs have been told anyone enrolling in the newly extended screening programme will have to wait at least two years before getting their first appointment, if they have paid for a mammogram in the previous year.”

Once a woman is enrolled in the programme she is eligible for a free mammogram every two years.

Dr Scott says if a woman chooses to pay for a mammogram in the interim, she must wait two years from that mammogram before she is eligible for another free one, even though under 50 years olds are encouraged to have annual checks.

“This is blatant discrimination.

“The Minister of Health should encourage people to look after their own health – not punish them.”

Dr Scott says by delaying free mammograms and penalising women who pay for their own mammograms, the Government is undermining the positive effects of extending the age of eligibility for free breast screening.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.