29 September 2017
Senior doctors applaud strong statement on public health investment
Senior doctors are welcoming a strong position statement from the New Zealand Medical Association on the value of
investing in public health.
“Health obviously matters for the quality of life New Zealanders experience – and it also offers direct financial
benefits that are sometimes overlooked,” says Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical
Specialists (ASMS).
He was commenting on a position statement published by the New Zealand Medical Association, which advocates investing in
health rather than viewing health expenditure as simply another cost to the Government (https://www.nzma.org.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/77277/Health-as-an-investment_FINAL.pdf).
“This statement draws attention to international research that indicates other countries are achieving a return on
investment of nearly $5 for every $1 of government spending on health. Senior doctors and dentists support the call for
greater investment in public health to improve the lives of our communities and boost the economy.
“The next government should ensure that spending on our public health service should be seen as an economic and social
investment.”
ENDS