Record funding aims to improve healthcare access and outcomes.
Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced a significant package to enhance primary care in New Zealand. As part of the Government's efforts to fix the country's broken healthcare system, Mr. Brown stated that they are "relentlessly focused on improving health outcomes" and ensuring Kiwis have access to timely, quality healthcare.
Key initiatives include:
* 100 clinical placements for overseas-trained doctors
* Incentives for primary care to recruit up to 400 graduate registered nurses per year
* A $285 million uplift in funding over three years for general practice
* Increased training placements for doctors and nurse practitioners specialising in primary care
Additionally, the Government has agreed to lower the age of eligibility for bowel cancer screening tests from 60 to 58. Targeted initiatives will be implemented to increase screening rates among population groups with low rates.
Mr. Brown outlined his five priorities as Minister of Health: focusing Health New Zealand on delivering basics, fixing primary healthcare, reducing emergency department wait times, clearing the elective surgery backlog, and investing in health infrastructure. The Government's plan supports their commitment to rebuild the economy and deliver better outcomes for every New Zealander.