From NZ Herald · · 3m
Act to spend $400m to retain more doctors
Act promises $400m over four years to retain doctors and incentivise more appointments.
In brief
Act promises $400m over four years to retain doctors and incentivise more appointments. Act will spend $400 million over four years to retain doctors, attract overseas talent, and increase patient appointments. Originally reported by NZ Herald.
Act's healthcare funding plan
The Act Party promises to commit $400 million over four years to retain more doctors in New Zealand, attract them from overseas, and incentivise more appointments.
Funding increase details
The policy includes an annual $100 million boost to general practice, on top of normal capitation increases, totalling $400 million over the first four years.
Doctor retention challenge
With 35% of GPs planning to retire within five years and 18% considering moving overseas, Act aims to make it more attractive for doctors to stay.
Current doctor work patterns
GPs work an average of 33.9 hours a week, down from 36.4 hours a decade ago, with nearly one in 10 working 19 hours or fewer.
Act's solution for hours
Act says better funding could help practices offer extra hours, reward additional appointments, and encourage experienced doctors to work longer.
Attracting overseas doctors
The party plans to work with existing policies to close the medicines gap with Australia, introduce Pharmacy First, and establish a world-class cancer centre.
General Practice Owners Association support
The General Practice Owners Association welcomed Act’s commitment to invest an additional $400m in general practice over four years.
GP chair's perspective
GenPro chair Dr Angus Chambers said the funding would help retain GPs, attract new doctors, and improve access to primary care.
Chambers on funding needs
Chambers stressed that sustainable funding must reflect actual care costs, support recruitment and retention, and address complex patient needs.
Act's criticism of Labour
Act leader David Seymour criticized Labour’s policy of three free GP visits, saying it doesn’t address workforce capacity.
Seymour's funding impact
Seymour stated the extra $100m a year would increase patient numbers by at least 6% if implemented.
Seymour on doctor retention
Seymour said the funding would help practices offer competitive remuneration, retain experienced staff, and encourage doctors to remain in practice.
Healthcare system pressure
New Zealand’s general practice system faces significant pressure with patients struggling to get appointments and workforce shortages.
Funding for patient access
Act’s funding aims to improve access to primary care by ensuring more New Zealanders can see a GP when needed.
Long-term healthcare goals
Act links its healthcare funding to broader goals including closing the medicines gap with Australia and establishing a world-class cancer centre.
The takeaway
Act will spend $400 million over four years to retain doctors, attract overseas talent, and increase patient appointments.
