Dr Shane Reti, in my view, is turning out to be one of National’s greatest assets. Anyone who doesn’t vote for his health policy obviously doesn’t rate health as a major concern. Reti has proven he is a thinker and has the qualifications to match. Here is a man who has a budget and has clearly thought through the issues and prioritised the targeting of that money. His policy announcement clearly shows this is not money just being thrown around.
The issues he has prioritised are those in the heath area that need addressing. First the $20 million over four years to Pharmac for a rare disorder fund. This has been badly needed for years. These unfortunate people will now not have to fight to get what they need, in some cases, to stay alive. Pharmac will also get increased funding at the same rate as the health budget, about $35 million a year.
The funding of “primary care navigator” roles in every general practice to give GP’s more time to spend with patients will be welcomed by GPs. Based on a UK model they will provide counselling, interface with government agencies, follow up appointments and referrals, do home visits and implement primary care health plans collaborated with each general practice. An extra $30 million will be allocated to childhood oral health including paediatric and school dental services.
He proposes reintroducing public reporting of national health targets which monitor DHB performance including cancer treatment times, elective surgeries and ED wait times. These should never have been scrapped. We need accountability. His policy will ensure everyone who is accepted for elective surgery gets it within four months of the decision to treat.
Reti’s document promises to “set clear expectations for DHB’s to live within their means by way of accountability agreements with Board chairs”. He is also telling DHBs if they can’t provide a promised elective surgery within four months they will have to come up with an alternative provider. He is not however reducing the number of DHB’s, something I could take issue with, but no doubt he has his reasons. Reti does say that they “are an essential component of New Zealand’s health system”, but should surrender some funding and planning services “to a regional level”.
A far-reaching policy document designed to put money in areas where it is needed most. There is no shake-up of the health system just improvements where they are required. This is a very well thought out policy and in sharp contrast to Labour who so far are only promising to increase funding to Pharmac and for more elective surgeries. What we have here is an Opposition Spokesman on Health well versed in his portfolio against a Health Minister who is clueless.
Reti v Hipkins. No contest. Reti every time. This policy document proves it.
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