Guild supportive of Green Party’s health care policy for teenagers

The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (the Guild) supports the Green Party’s announcement that they will extend free health care to under 18s.

Over the weekend the Green Party launched a $29 million plan to improve the health of New Zealand’s teenagers.

Further extending the current Government’s commitment, the Green Party’s plan offers free doctors' visits and free prescription medicine to teenagers aged 13 through to their 18th birthday.

Guild Chief Executive, Lee Hohaia says “The Guild has always supported the targeting of co-payments, and is pleased to see this being applied to all under 18s. Any initiative which improves access to timely primary care intervention and management is an excellent outcome for our communities.

“It is especially important to ensure affordable and accessible health care is available to teenagers as their health needs at this time can be complex and potentially life altering if left untreated. Hopefully by removing the cost barrier to accessing health care services, our teenagers will be encouraged to seek medical advice sooner.

“The Guild is pleased that the timeframe proposed enables sufficient time to ensure the funding will support service provision without cutting back on services.

“We would welcome further extension of this targeting to other at risk groups such as the elderly and high deprivation communities.

“The Guild will continue to advocate for fair funding to ensure the sustainability of community pharmacy as an important and accessible health care service in the community.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media