From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m 30s
Health Debate: Labour Keeps Targets, National Claims Progress
Labour pledges to maintain coalition health targets while National asserts the system is 'heading in right direction'.
In brief
Labour pledges to maintain coalition health targets while National asserts the system is 'heading in right direction'. Labour will keep coalition health targets but admits some 'three free GP visits' may involve nurse practitioners; National claims health system improvements including Waikato Medical School…
Labour's health targets
Labour confirmed it would keep coalition health targets if elected but admitted some 'three free GP visits' could be with nurse practitioners rather than GPs.
“We're going to keep the targets, but what we won't do is set the targets and then not resource the health system by not hiring any more nurses in order to deliver them, that's negligent.”
National's health progress claim
National claims the health system is 'heading in the right direction' and points to Waikato Medical School training 120 doctors per year from 2028.
“There is a lot more work to do. But you know, a forty-one percent reduction in number of people waiting for an elective surgery for more than four months - that's a huge reduction.”
GP workforce pressures
National accused Labour of clogging the health system with 'three free GP visits' while Labour admitted the policy might use nurse practitioners instead of GPs.
“I don't know why I need to have a free gp visit.”
Cancer treatment delays
National highlighted distress at Starship Children's Hospital with 70 percent of shifts understaffed when Labour's Ayesha Verrall was health minister.
“That's why health new zealand has recruited every single one of those vacancies.”
Nurse staffing debate
Labour said it ended a 'hiring freeze' for nurses while National claimed it recruited 2400 nursing roles right now.
“We don't - do you have a policy of reducing the number of doctors? Was that your policy? No.”
Fiscal cliff accusation
National accused Labour of a 'fiscal cliff' by not providing additional health funding in year four while Labour called it a lie.
“You haven't provided any additional funding in year four. You have a fiscal cliff for health funding in year four.”
Drug funding discussion
Neither party committed to funding new weight loss drugs like Ozempic, with National claiming $604m over four years for Pharmac from foreign aid.
“That's incredibly manipulative because nz first leader winston peters had already ruled out redirecting that funding.”
Unsung heroes
Both parties praised healthcare workers, with Labour highlighting two care workers who supported its health minister's father.
“They provided expert, skilled, and compassionate care that was just such a relief to me and my mum.”
What to remember
Labour will keep coalition health targets but admits some 'three free GP visits' may involve nurse practitioners; National claims health system improvements including Waikato Medical School.
/file/attachments/orphans/mphego-court-caryn2_236334.jpg)
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Merten-explainer-2024elections-MAIN.jpg)