Tuesday, 30 August 2005

Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader

Progressive distribute free prescriptions for better health

The Progressive party's 'prescription' for better health services was distributed to Queen Street shoppers today, by Progressive candidates, led by Epsom candidate Dr Fatima Ashrafi and Deputy Leader, Matt Robson. It includes a list of the policies that leader Jim Anderton aims to put on the negotiating table in the next coalition government.

"The Progressive Party is campaigning for no fees for GP visits for those under 18 and those over 65 to ensure they get the health care they need without being concerned about the cost. Strong primary health care can prevent small ailments becoming serious making this policy good for the patient and the budget," says Epsom candidate and specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr Fatima Ashrafi.

"Our party also wants to establish a specific fund to invest in reducing hospital waiting lists, deliver free prescriptions and has a package of measures to reduce the harm caused by the misuse of alcohol and other drugs.

"Before the election I had a bill at select committee to implement a package of measures to turn the tide against our youth binge drinking culture including stricter TV liquor broadcasting rules, a rise in the minimum alcohol purchasing age and toughen laws against the supply of alcohol to minors. I will advocate for a new government to take this bill over," Progressive deputy leader Matt Robson said.

"In the last three coalition budget rounds, Progressive secured additional funding to extend drug education and demand-reduction programmes, as well as increased investment in treatment services for those suffering from alcohol and other drug addictions," said East Coast Bays candidate, a senior registered nurse, Fiona Beazley.

The Progressive Party supports all measures to lower financial barriers to access to quality public health services and opposes income and asset testing for the families of those in long-term geriatric care.

Progressive candidates are campaigning for party votes exclusively and its party list includes a number of health professionals.

Epsom: Fatima Ashrafi, a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology http://www.progressive.org.nz/fatimaashrafi

East Coast Bays: Fiona Beazley, senior registered nurse with Waitemata District Health Board http://www.progressive.org.nz/fionabeazley

Otaki: Dr. Russell Franklin, studied medicine at Otago University before undertaking post-graduate training at Dunedin Hospital and at hospitals in Melbourne and London http://www.progressive.org.nz/RussellFranklin

Tauranga: Dr Karandeep Lall, a medical doctor born in Kenya and educated in northern India, works for the Taupo Hospital and runs a low-cost community medical clinic in Rotorua.

Progressive Health Policy: http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=Sections&op=viewarticle&artid=188

Health-Related Fitness, Sport, Recreation & Play Policy: http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=Sections&op=viewarticle&artid=186

Progressive's Alcohol Harm Reduction and Anti-drugs Campaign: http://www.progressive.org.nz/modules.php?name=Sections&op=viewarticle&artid=75

ENDS

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