Plunket Plan Positive

Plunket's proposal, to begin charging for any additional care it offers - while still providing current services free of charge - is a sensible way for the agency to help New Zealand families in the face of dwindling Government funding, ACT New Zealand Health Spokesman Heather Roy said today.

"Plunket has offered mothers and babies invaluable care for almost 100 years. Steady cuts in Government funding - and, consequently, the number of free visits available to families - should not be allowed to deprive the public of the agency's services," Mrs Roy said.

"By implementing this initiative, Plunket is ensuring that families have greater access to its vital services. Any surplus funds would go toward providing improved care for the public - and, by only charging for extra services, Plunket has taken the sensible step of placing the decision in parents' hands.

"Plunket, like many other organisations, struggles to provide a comprehensive service within its budget and resource constraints. To be able to offer `extra' services - that will boost its already impressive range of free care - by charging, shows initiative and a commitment to providing first-class care to New Zealand families.

"ACT firmly supports Plunket's proposal, for the sake of families throughout the country - we only hope that the Government does not allow its ideology to interfere with this significant step forward," Mrs Roy said.

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