New Zealand's health agency makes progress after government intervention.
Health New Zealand (Health NZ) has reported a significantly lower deficit than previously forecast, thanks to the efforts of the current government. According to Health Minister Dr Shane Reti, the revised budget for 2024/25 shows a $1.1 billion deficit, compared to the estimated $1.76 billion before government intervention.
The financial recovery is attributed to the hard work of Health NZ's Commissioner, Chief Executive, and staff, who are working to reset the agency and improve health outcomes for New Zealanders. The government has committed to supporting this effort, with a significant increase in spending on health services.
Dr Reti emphasized that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to fully restore the health system's functionality. He expressed confidence in Health NZ's ability to meet its projections and deliver better health outcomes for New Zealanders by the end of 2026/27.
The government's spending on health now exceeds $30 billion per year, with a focus on ensuring that funds are allocated effectively and efficiently to achieve improved patient outcomes.