Addressing child health inequalities high on Royal NZ College of GP’s agenda

The Government must place greater emphasis on eliminating health inequalities between population groups, says Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners President Dr Harry Pert.

“One of the key findings from the latest Children’s Social Health Monitor, released yesterday, found that while increases in hospital admissions for socioeconomically sensitive medical conditions (mainly infectious and respiratory diseases) have begun to taper off, admissions in 2011 were 4,000 higher than in 2007 with admission rates remaining higher for Māori and Pacific children, than for European children,” says Dr Pert.

The College is focusing on children’s health at its annual Quality Symposium in February 2013.

“Clearly some children in New Zealand are at risk for diseases related to poverty and some children are missing out on essential health care.

“The purpose of the annual symposium is to encourage collective learning, networking and on-going discussion about improving quality in general practice and keep abreast of quality direction in the primary care system.

“In 2013 we want to understand how families, communities, people working in general practice, primary care, and in health sector organisations can work together to do more for children.

“Collectively how can we plan, organise and act to influence improvements in children’s care,” says Dr Pert.

Another study released last week, Te Honga Ake: Health Status of Maori Children and Young People in New Zealand, found that between 1996 and 2005, Māori children were admitted to hospital with acute rheumatic fever ten times more than the rest of the population.

“A picture is building of a situation that needs addressing as a matter of national significance and will require a strong, united approach from agencies, professionals and individuals,” says Dr Pert.

“The impact poverty creates on health inequalities begins early and compounds over life. Focusing on the determinants of health is crucial if health inequalities are to be reduced and eliminated.

“The College supports the recommendation of a report released today by the Expert Advisory Group on Solutions to Child Poverty for primary care visits for all children to be fully funded 24 hours/7 days a week from birth to age 5 years; extending over time to children and adolescents up to and including 17 years.”

Dr Pert says general practitioners themselves must take a population health as well as an individual approach.

“This will involve monitoring inequalities within their practice populations to ensure treatment and management decisions contribute to tackling inequalities for individuals and communities.”

ENDS

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