28 September 2006

Plunket keeps PlunketLine going, regardless

The Green Party today saluted Plunket for its decision to keep the PlunketLine advice service going, despite the withdrawal in June of Government support..

"I am delighted Plunket has been able to make this long term commitment to the future of PlunketLine and to the families, community groups and staff who benefit from the service," Green Party Health Spokesperson Sue Kedgley says.

"The Government's withdrawal of the funding support for PlunketLine formerly provided by the Ministry of Health remains utterly inexplicable. Plunket is a unique, highly respected, community-based primary health service which is trusted by the vast majority of New Zealand parents.

"For the most specious reasons, the Government chose to give the contract to a subsidiary of a huge multinational instead. Over 50,000 ordinary New Zealanders showed what they thought of that kind of stupidity by signing a petition calling for the Government to save PlunketLine.

"Plunket is to be congratulated for its resourcefulness in finding alternative means of support for this essential service, and for its commitment to the care and wellbeing of New Zealand families. It is the sort of performance that earned Plunket its reputation, and I hope that in time, the Government will come to its senses and restore its support for PlunketLine."

ENDS

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