Hon Tony Ryall
National Party Health Spokesman
30 May 2006
Hodgson clumsy and incompetent
Health Minister Pete Hodgson's handling of the GP subsidy rollout is clumsy and incompetent, says National’s Health
spokesman, Tony Ryall.
He is commenting on the collapse of negotiations between health officials, DHBs and PHOs on the July rollout of the
patient subsidy for 45 to 64-year-olds.
"Annette King managed to roll out the previous subsidies without all this conflict and controversy from GPs,” says Mr
Ryall.
“Why can't Pete Hodgson do the same?
"Mr Hodgson claims he doesn't want to control GPs’ businesses, but his bureaucrats are demanding it. They are acting
under his instructions so the Minister's claims are weasel words.
"GPs want to pass the new subsidy in full on to their patients. Mr Hodgson should take this offer and quit while he's
behind.
"Those who have described him as a safe pair of hands will be shaking their heads in disbelief.
“The Government’s desire to control doctors’fees will further discourage general practice and make it even harder for
ordinary people to get access to GPs in the future.
“This is the exact opposite of what the Government wants,” says Mr Ryall.
ENDS