13 March 2002
The Royal NZ College of General Practitioners welcomed the Government’s announcement of increased funding for primary
health care today. “It’s a step in the right direction” said the College President Dr Helen Rodenburg.
Commenting on the release of new funding details for primary health care, Dr Rodenburg welcomed the targeting of funding
to those with high health needs. “It is important to ensure that those who have high health needs, such as Maori,
Pacific Peoples, old and young, have easy access to health care and we support such an approach, said Dr Rodenburg. The
College also welcomed the Government’s release of a three -year implementation plan, which allowed providers to plan
ahead and the ring-fencing of primary health care funding.
The College was pleased to see that the needs of rural primary health care (including rural general practitioners) were
recognised as a priority by Cabinet.
“Whilst the Government is working to reduce cost and improve access to primary health care services, evidence shows
that in order to get the best health gains for the population, resources need to be applied to strengthening existing
providers and infrastructures.” Dr Rodenburg said.
However, the College questioned whether there are enough resources allocated to achieve the planned objectives such as
health promotion services. “Most of the funding appears to be going into improving access to primary health care. This
is laudable, however, to reduce unplanned hospital admissions, we need to ensure that health professionals are resourced
to provide more preventative care and with easy access to all general practitioners.” she said.
ends