Children’s Commissioner agrees Health Committee recommendations need action

The Children’s Commissioner supports the statement by the Health Select Committee released today that asks the Government to implement the recommendations made by the Committee.

He notes that the Committee’s recommendations were supported by all members and there was wide cross-party support.

“While 54 recommendations accepted is a good start, I am disappointed that many recommendations were not accepted in full or in part.

“The Committee implicitly accepts that all 104 recommendations could not be immediately implemented but sought a plan to prioritise and implement the recommendations.

“This is an eminently reasonable approach and should be implemented.

“I am particularly supportive of, and would like to see priority given to, fluoridation of community water supplies. Now the Taranaki Court case has been settled in favour of fluoridation there remains no good reason not to. I strongly agree with making early booking for pregnant women a national health target for DHBs and national implementation of the recommendations of the Counties Manukau DHB external review of maternity services. The evidence is strongly in support of addition of folic acid to bread. I also agree that New Zealand needs a plan to reduce obesity and related noncommunicable diseases, and to improve sexual health outcomes for young women especially.

“The Health Select Committee has shown courage in recommending solutions to some of our most complex and costly health problems.

“It is time the Government showed the same courage.”

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