No Surprise at Lower Health System Rating

No Surprise at Lower Health System Rating

It comes as no surprise to Arthritis New Zealand that the biannual survey of world’s leading health systems showed there are problems in New Zealand’s health system surrounding access issues and management of chronic illness.

Sandra Kirby, Chief Executive of Arthritis New Zealand said: “Arthritis affects over half a million New Zealanders and is the biggest cause of disability in this county and yet is still not considered a national health priority.”

“Treating this chronic condition seriously would mean having enough specialists so that people had access to a timely diagnosis and early treatment; having the best possible choice of treatment drugs and having a systemic approach to chronic conditions that recognised the impact at a personal and community level.”

Arthritis New Zealand’s updated report The Economic Cost of Arthritis in New Zealand states that health sector costs of arthritis are estimated to be $695m in 2010, 22% of total financial costs.

“While the Government’s joint replacement initiative has increased the number of hip and knee replacements since 2004, it needs to be noted that with an aging population and increasing obesity levels, demand is increasing faster and is projected to continue,” states Ms Kirby.

“It currently costs Arthritis New Zealand over $5 million a year to provide essential services to arthritis sufferers which includes education on how to self-manage this chronic condition. Approximately 12% of this money comes in the form of contracts with some DHB’s.”

“There have been reports on how to improve our response to chronic conditions – now is the time for action. People with arthritis who have their condition managed, are able to continue working and contributing to the whole economy. Only then can we “raise aspirations for those who are unwell, but capable of working” (Paula Bennett). Untreated arthritis creates people who become dependant - the social costs of arthritis were $2.5billion last year”

“If we are to improve our health system ranking, arthritis must be made a national health priority.”

ENDS

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