Grey Power Urges Doctors To Form PHO

Grey Power Urges Doctors To Form PHO

Grey Power National Federation Health Spokesman Dennis Paget, of Blenheim, urges doctors in Marlborough to form a Primary Health Organisation as soon as possible so that over-65s can benefit from new primary health care funding coming into effect from July 1 next year.

Mr Paget said over-65s enrolled in PHOs would be delighted at the recent Government announcement to bring forward by one year the $47 million needed to lower the cost of primary health care for older New Zealanders.

“This is great news, but the funding can only be directed through PHOs. The sooner we get a PHO up and running in Marlborough, the sooner over-65s in this region can benefit. I hope doctors and other primary health care providers can get things moving. The funding is there and now we just need the will,” said Mr Paget.

Mr Paget said doctors around the country had hailed the $47 million initiative, saying it would not only help older New Zealanders access more affordable primary health care but would also sustain the momentum of PHO development.

“I support the Government’s statement that it is really good news that from July 1 next year, affordable health care will be delivered through PHOs to those most in need – the young, the elderly, the chronically ill and lower socio-economic groups. That’s a year earlier than originally planned and is very welcome.”

Mr Paget said Grey Power also believed that offering affordable and accessible primary health care was the best way to improve the overall health of all New Zealanders. Older people often need to make frequent visits to primary health care practitioners, but could be discouraged from doing so if they could not afford to go.

“There are about 50 PHOs operating around New Zealand now and it’s time Marlborough began to catch up,” said Mr Paget.

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