College of Public Health Medicine applauds Budget 2015

College of Public Health Medicine applauds Budget 2015 measures

The New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine (NZCPHM) has welcomed the Budget 2015 announcements about additional investment in bowel cancer screening and the expansion of urban cycleways.

President, Dr Caroline McElnay, says the additional $12 million of funding for the bowel cancer screening pilot programme will ensure there is a stronger evidence base on which to make robust decisions about the effectiveness of this screening programme.

“The College believes screening can be an effective mechanism for identifying cancer in its early stages and preventing deaths of cancer sufferers,” Dr McElnay said.

“This extra investment will hopefully provide decision-makers with the confidence to proceed with a national programme for bowel cancer screening.”

Dr McElnay also supported the $40 million investment in urban cycleways.

“The College strongly supports the development of cycleways as a means of encouraging us to become more active and therefore healthier.

“If these cycleways can also facilitate daily commuting, they will reduce traffic flows and make our cities more liveable.

“We would like to see this increased support for urban cycleways integrated into a national action plan for increasing physical activity.”

ENDS

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