Government’s Inept Handling Of Health Sector Has Led To Crisis

ACT's health spokesman, Ken Shirley, says the government's mishandling of the health sector has caused the current funding crisis.

"This crisis was both predictable and avoidable. For two years the government has ignored warnings and now, in desperation, is promising to spend hundreds of millions of dollars more in election year," Mr Shirley said.

"This type of erratic funding inevitably results in a massive waste of both human and capital resources within the health sector.

"The last two Budgets have seen the lowest health funding in many years and this year the health sector has faced a decrease in funding on a per capita, inflation-adjusted basis.

"The situation has been further compounded by precious health dollars being diverted into an unwanted and unnecessary restructuring exercise which replicates both administration and bureaucratic overheads.

"On top of these self-inflicted problems we have faced a record low dollar, which has racked up the price of medical equipment and consumable products.

"For the government to screw down the cap on hospital funding and insist that any wage increases be absorbed within existing funding, was both foolish and reckless.

"ACT believes the solution is for the public and private sectors to work in partnership in the health sector, to improve the efficiency of services and eliminate waiting lists.

"If the government had not diverted money into unnecessary areas, such as $180 million for the arts and $2 billion for the super fund, there would be more available for the vital health sector.

"Regrettably, some New Zealanders may pay with their lives for the government's inept management of the health sector," Mr Shirley said.

ENDS

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