Budget positive but at a cost to primary healthcare, according to New Zealand medical students
25/05/2012
As the future of the medical workforce, the New Zealand Medical Students’ Association (NZMSA) welcomes initiatives in
yesterday’s Budget aimed at reducing health inequalities, but has concerns some changes will reduce access to primary
healthcare.
“In this challenging economic climate, it is pleasing to see that health continues to be a priority,” says NZMSA
President Chen-Xu.
“We are facing a rise in the cost of health services because of an ageing population, emerging obesity and diabetes
epidemics, and the increase of promising but expensive medical interventions.”
“The only way to reduce health care demands in the long term is to address the social determinants of health, such as
housing, income inequalities, and access to primary healthcare.”
“We therefore welcome Budget initiatives that strengthen preventative health measures and address social factors, such
as the increase in tobacco tax, free GP visits for under 6s and the extra funding for Warm-Up New Zealand home
insulation.”
“While we applaud the additional funding for cancer and elective services, we fear that the increase in prescription
charges from $3 to $5 come at the cost of increasing barriers to primary healthcare for low and fixed-income families,
who are struggling with the rising cost of living.”
“There is strong evidence that countries with good primary healthcare have fewer inequalities in health outcomes, a more
cost-effective health system and better health overall.”
NZMSA, in line with our recent position statement on health equity ratified at the annual NZMSA Conference 2012,
welcomes the moves in yesterday’s Budget that reduce health inequalities and calls for the reconsideration of policies
that increase barriers to primary healthcare.
The New Zealand Medical Students’ Association is the national advocacy body for medical students in New Zealand.
ENDS