Summarised by Centrist
Health Minister Simeon Brown has replaced the Medical Council’s chair and deputy chair, accusing the medical regulator of becoming distracted by politics and an “ideological agenda”.
Brown declined to reappoint chair Dr Rachelle Love and deputy chair Simon Watt when their terms expired, despite both remaining eligible and the council reportedly supporting their continuation.
“The Medical Council has become increasingly distracted by politics instead of focusing on its core responsibilities of improving patient outcomes and ensuring New Zealanders can get the care they need, when they need it,” Brown said.
He pointed to the council’s recent consultation on draft guidance covering cultural competence, cultural safety and Māori health and wellbeing.
Brown said the documents asked doctors to examine their own “privilege”, challenge the “dominant culture” of the health system, study the difference between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation, and help “dismantle” systems.
“Kiwis expect the Medical Council to be focused on strengthening the medical workforce, not on an ideological agenda,” he said.
Former MidCentral DHB chief medical officer Dr Kenneth Clark has been appointed chair, with professional director Ming-Chun Wu appointed deputy chair.
Brown said the new leadership should refocus the council on “putting patients first, improving health outcomes, and supporting the growth of our medical workforce”.
The decision has drawn criticism from some senior doctors.
Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Sarah Dalton described the move as “weird” and said it raised questions about the independence of professional regulators.
The Medical Council noted that its members are appointed by the Health Minister and said questions about individual appointment decisions should be directed to the minister’s office.
