Jonathan Coleman National Party Associate Health Spokesman

14 November 2005

World Diabetes Day highlights lack of Govt response

National Party Associate Health spokesman Jonathan Coleman says World Diabetes Day highlights the inadequacy of the Government's response to a looming health crisis.

"Diabetes is the silent killer that represents the greatest public health threat in New Zealand today," says Dr Coleman.

"The Government claims that diabetes is a priority area, yet they refuse to adequately fund the fight against it.

"Obesity is clearly linked to the development of Type 2 diabetes, yet the Government is not doing enough to tackle obesity among our young people.

"They have received plenty of advice recommending up-front investment to battle diabetes and avoid the devastating and costly consequences, but they choose to ignore that advice.

"DHBs are struggling to provide adequate services, and Pharmac's job appears to be to make it harder for the obese and people with diabetes to receive the treatment they need, while grinding down the medical profession through a paper war of attrition.

"It would be great if new Health Minister Pete Hodgson would do something a little more on World Diabetes Day than merely pay lip service to the problem," says Dr Coleman.

ENDS

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