# Act to spend $400m to retain more doctors

> Act promises $400m over four years to retain doctors and incentivise more appointments.
- Title: Act to spend $400m to retain more doctors · NZ Herald
- Summary: Act promises $400m over four years to retain doctors and incentivise more appointments. Act will spend $400 million over four years to retain doctors…
- Keywords: act, doctors, new zealand, general practice, healthcare, election 2026, funding, politics, news, spend, 400m, retain
- Source: NZ Herald — https://nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/election-2026-act-to-spend-400m-to-retain-more-doctors-incentivise-more-appts/H36MAETIDZEGLFDKYINROL3DTM
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: act, doctors, new zealand, general practice, healthcare, election 2026, funding, politics, news
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Act will spend $400 million over four years to retain doctors, attract overseas talent, and increase patient appointments.