7358 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

7358 (2026). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: Has the Phase Two open-market procurement for the Government's 24/7 Online GP service, planned for the second half of 2025, been completed, if not, why not?

Hon Simeon Brown: The Government’s new Online GP Care service is a demand driven service which ensures New Zealanders can get timely medical advice and treatment when in-person appointments aren’t available. This is all part of our goal to fix the basics and build the future. With this initiative, our focus is on ensuring New Zealanders can access healthcare when they need it. Online GP Care is already supporting tens of thousands of people, and it is an important part of our plan to deliver a more accessible and responsive health system that puts patients at the centre. I am advised that Health New Zealand will begin the second phase of open market procurement this year as the service and it's needs have been established.