Scoop  Parliament

Hon Tony Ryall
National Party Health Spokesman

12 December 2005

National congratulates Minister on U-turn

National's Health spokesman, Tony Ryall, is congratulating Minister of Health Pete Hodgson for his U-turn on stockpiling antibiotics for a possible pandemic.

"This is a sensible move that could save many lives,” says Mr Ryall.

"National proposed this some weeks ago in Parliament. But sadly, Mr Hodgson dismissed the suggestion. Good on him for listening to our advice now.

"This shows what could be achieved from a multi-party approach to pandemic planning. We have been seeking such an approach and are waiting for his call.

"Next, the Minister should be taking similar action to increase the stocks of essential personal medicines like insulin and warfarin,” says Mr Ryall.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

 

Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

Gordon Campbell: On The Panic In The Pacific Over China

For years, it has been no secret that China wants closer security and trade ties with the small nations of the Pacific region. All part of Beijing’s self-image as a global superpower. To that end this week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi embarked on an unprecedented 10-day tour of the Pacific, aimed at convincing his Pacific hosts to join a cross-Pacific agreement that would let Beijing provide them with high-level police training and security, shared data co-operation and other joint services ranging from agriculture to tourism...
More>>