Senior doctors applaud strong statement on public health

29 September 2017

Senior doctors applaud strong statement on public health investment

Senior doctors are welcoming a strong position statement from the New Zealand Medical Association on the value of investing in public health.

“Health obviously matters for the quality of life New Zealanders experience – and it also offers direct financial benefits that are sometimes overlooked,” says Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS).

He was commenting on a position statement published by the New Zealand Medical Association, which advocates investing in health rather than viewing health expenditure as simply another cost to the Government (https://www.nzma.org.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/77277/Health-as-an-investment_FINAL.pdf).

“This statement draws attention to international research that indicates other countries are achieving a return on investment of nearly $5 for every $1 of government spending on health. Senior doctors and dentists support the call for greater investment in public health to improve the lives of our communities and boost the economy.

“The next government should ensure that spending on our public health service should be seen as an economic and social investment.”

ENDS

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