27 August 2007

NZ First Welcomes Under Six Subsidy

New Zealand First is delighted that success has been achieved with another item in our Confidence and Supply agreement with the Labour Government says health spokesperson Barbara Stewart.

“In 1997 New Zealand First introduced the concept of free health care for the under 6’s and it very successfully ensured that children under six who required medical attention could go to the doctor when necessary. All children deserve the best possible start in life and ideally access to medical treatment should not be restricted by family finances.

“The initiative was welcomed warmly by parents but it created many challenges for New Zealand First. It was a very successful policy that was gradually eroded by increases in doctors’ fees and the government subsidy failing to keep up with inflation.

“Doctors have always had the ability to top up the government subsidy by charging a fee and during the years since the policy was implemented many have done so.

“However the Labour-led government has now invested $8.25 million so that free health care for the under 6’s can again be offered by most PHO’s throughout New Zealand. This will provide free health care for many children and is a huge step towards our goal of free health care for all under sixes,” said Mrs Stewart.

ENDS

© Scoop Media