Labour warns of serious health risks due to massive cuts across Te Whatu Ora.
The Labour Party has expressed deep concern over the National Government's decision to cut nearly $2 billion from Te Whatu Ora's budget. According to Labour's health spokesperson, Ayesha Verrall, these cuts will put continuity of services and New Zealanders' health information at risk. The move comes as the country experiences a whooping cough epidemic and is at risk of a measles outbreak.
Verrall stated that Health Minister Dr Shane Reti would have been aware of the potential risks associated with such significant cuts to IT services at Te Whatu Ora. The decision to cut funding for Māori and Pacific health workers, as well as public health services, has been met with criticism from Labour. Verrall accused the Government of prioritizing tax cuts over the health of New Zealanders.
The cuts have sparked concerns that New Zealand will experience more epidemics, less equitable health outcomes for Māori and Pacific people, and a loss of skilled healthcare workers. In contrast to these budget reductions, the Government has found money to give tobacco companies a tax break. Labour is urging the Government to reconsider its decision and prioritize the health of all New Zealanders.