Thursday 30 May 2002
ACT rural-based MP Gerry Eckhoff says the Government's rural health package is an exercise in futility unless we
actually have doctors practising in rural New Zealand.
"Rural GP services are in an ever-decreasing circle. Rural GPS are packing their bags and leaving in droves. We have to
focus on the fact we are losing GPs hand-over-fist. Without such a focus, the Government's announced $10 million-a-year
package is mere election year window dressing.
"We need to examine ways of attracting GPs to rural New Zealand. One obvious way is to take advantage of doctors keen
to come here from other countries.
"But the problem is, rural GPs are not a priority occupation according to the Immigration Department. It is simply
outrageous that despite years of chronic shortages, rural GPs are treated no differently then unskilled workers wishing
residency in New Zealand.
"I understand that the Government has not even consulted with organised medical groups to find out the areas of primary
health care most in need of bolstering - and I think that is absolutely extraordinary.
"My own rural GP in Roxburgh, is a recent immigrant. Despite having all the skills and more to be an excellent local
doctor, she is currently excluded from permanent residence on spurious technical grounds. If she is forced to leave the
country, all health services in the district could be lost.
"Rural health services are in crisis throughout the length and breadth of the country. There needs to be a fundamental
rethink by the authorities to address the reality of health professional shortages, burn-out and why, despite
substantial money over the years being put into health services the situation is deteriorating by the day," Gerry
Eckhoff said.
Ends