Health sector reforms would take us back to the dark ages

Proposed health sector reforms would take us back to the dark ages

The health of New Zealanders seems to have been completely side-lined in the Ministry of Health’s leaked “Capability and Capacity” report says the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO).

“Unfortunately, our constructive and positive contributions to the review have been ignored,” says NZNO chief executive Memo Musa, “Like many other health organisations in New Zealand, we are committed to an equitable health system where every person receives the care they need, where and when they need it.”

“We will strongly oppose the changes that have been mooted if they are included in health strategy review consultation documents and reports.”

“A health care model that puts a healthy population at its heart would never advocate for contestable funding, financial sanctions or a move toward privatisation. We believe, if the report’s recommendations were implemented, our health system would be put under serious and unsustainable pressure.”

“That’s so unnecessary – we have the potential for a world-leading health system, why are we heading back to the dark ages?” Mr Musa says.

“The Government and the Director General of Health need to ditch these ideas and start again.”

ENDS

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