39203 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

39203 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What actions, if any, does the Minister intend to take to address the budget response consequence ‘A worsening crisis in access to health care’ as highlighted in the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists report ‘Just Treading Water’?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: This Government has given Health a significant funding boost of $16.68b across the next three Budgets as part of our plan to invest in frontline services such as emergency departments, primary care, medicines, and public health, reflecting our commitment to ensure New Zealanders have the timely access to quality healthcare that they deserve. Some of the new health investments over the next four years that will improve access to health care for New Zealanders include: - $3.44 billion for hospital and specialist services through Health New Zealand - $2.12 billion for primary, community and public health through Health New Zealand - $1.77 billion for Pharmac to fix the shortfall left by Labour and ensure Kiwis can access the medicines they need - $31.2 million to gradually extend free breast screening to an additional 60,000 women each year - $31 million for increased security at emergency departments, to ensure safety for patients and staff - $22 million to train 25 more doctors each year - $24 million for free mental health counselling services through Gumboot Friday - $9.7 million to establish a National Mental Health and Addiction Community Sector Innovation Fund. The new investments are in addition to the $11.6 billion of infrastructure investment already underway in the health sector. Budget 2024 provides $103.1 million to support health infrastructure. As the Member will be aware, the Ministry of Social Development provides funding of up to $1,000 per year for immediate, essential, and emergency dental care for people on low income. Health New Zealand also provides subsidised emergency dental care to treat infection and relieve pain for Community Services Card holders. The focus of Budget 2024 is supporting fiscal sustainability and stability and enabling better long-term planning for the system. This supports the health system to make the improvements needed to meet the Government’s priorities and the health care New Zealanders need. I will continue to work with the health sector and consider a range of policy settings to improve access to healthcare, determine what is possible to be achieved through existing baseline funding, and look for opportunities to make further improvements in the future.