Health budget still doesn’t address funding model: HFANZ

Today’s Budget increase for health represents only a fraction of elective surgical demand and doesn’t address the need for an improved funding model, the Health Funds Association (HFANZ) says.

HFANZ acting chief executive Chris Pentecost said he applauded the Government for acknowledging it had unmet elective surgery need in the public system, but today’s announced increases would most likely only bring it closer to meeting current demand, rather than the increasing need forecast for the next decade due to our ageing population.

“This is just a drop in the bucket, and there are still many more people unable to even get on the waiting lists. Throwing money at the public healthcare system is no longer sustainable. New Zealanders need to realise that from now on they are going to have to take more personal responsibility for their healthcare because the Government is not going to be able to afford to fund it all,” he said.

ENDS

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