64868 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

64868 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What actions, if any, have been taken in the quarter (April to June 2024) to implement the recommendation ‘Establish expert working groups to achieve national consistency in relation to access policies based on BMI, HbA1c and smoking status’ as part of Te Whatu Ora Planned Care Taskforce Reset and Restore Plan?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that during the April to June 2024 quarter, the National Pacific Senate continued to oversee key priority areas identified in the Pacific Health Strategy Ola Manuia, including diabetes, oral health, ophthalmology, and mental health. I am further advised that as part of the development of a bariatric pathway prototype, a Regional Weight Management Working Group was convened during the quarter to drive coordinated efforts to implement effective and equitable weight loss management strategies.