Review Of The Health Funding Authority
Hon Parekura Horomia
Acting Minister of Mäori Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT
5 July 2000
REVIEW OF THE HEALTH
FUNDING AUTHORITY
The Acting Minister of Mäori
Affairs, Hon Parekura Horomia, today released two reports on
the Health Funding Authority.
Mr Horomia is pleased the
Health Funding Authority has made advances in developing
relationships with Mäori providers and communities. “It is
important these relationships are maintained to ensure our
people receive consistent health services at a time of
significant change in the health sector.
The HFA is to be
disestablished in November 2000 and its functions moved to
District Health Boards and the Ministry of Health. Mr
Horomia believes the reports are well positioned “to assist
health sector agencies establish the responsibilities and
accountabilities of District Health Boards and the Ministry
of Health."
However, Mr Horomia acknowledged that the
sector needed to undertake further work to close the gaps.
In the provider report, health providers clearly indicated
that there needed to be greater improvement in building
relationships and contracting processes.
“Mäori want to
participate in decision making. Participation in
decision-making is crucial if improvements in Mäori health
are to be achieved. The government has recognised this
through its policy of capacity building. These reports
reinforce that kaupapa. The health sector, and all public
sector organisations need to take up this challenge" he
said.
ENDS