Hon Tony Ryall
National Party Health Spokesman
26 June 2006
Government should support PlunketLine
It's not too late for the Labour Government to restore funding to Plunket's telephone service for Kiwi parents, says
National’s Health spokesman, Tony Ryall.
He is commenting ahead of tomorrow’s presentation of a 53,000-strong petition by Plunket to National Party Leader Don
Brash, calling on the Government to re-instate funding for PlunketLine.
Government funding for PlunketLine will be pulled this Saturday.
Late last week it was reported that Labour intends to fund a television, radio and newspaper public relations blitz to
promote Healthline.
"That money would be better spent on funding PlunketLine," says Mr Ryall.
"I doubt Healthline will provide anywhere near the same quality of advice that Plunket provides. I suspect they are very
unprepared.
“Healthline has even asked Plunket to train Healthline staff. What a cheek!
"Helen Clark should honour her promise to New Zealand mums and babes, and back PlunketLine.”
The presentation of the petition will be on the steps of Parliament at 12.30pm tomorrow.
ENDS