Free primary health care

Make primary health care free for all. More services are being pushed into primary healthcare and there is a desire to promote early intervention, as well as to reduce waiting times. If necessary change the primary healthcare model to enable this to happen.  Eg as fewer doctors want to run GP businesses, maybe Te Whata Ora needs to open its own primary healthcare services in underserved areas

Why the contribution is important

Free primary health care will reduce demand on emergency rooms,  reduce the burden of disease and promote equity.

by pennye on March 25, 2023 at 11:08PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.7
Based on: 8 votes

Comments

  • Posted by raewyn March 26, 2023 at 09:59

    I totally support the free primary health care especially for long term illnesses.

  • Posted by moperry2 March 27, 2023 at 21:32

    Supporting free primary health care would ensure everyone can source help with health issues

  • Posted by marlowmews April 11, 2023 at 17:46

    I like the idea of free primary health care but am unsure if the system could afford this. (Sorry) I really agree with the need to establish Te Whatu Ora owned General Practices. I don't think the model of GP being a private business has been overly successful and while there may be some who wish to continue with this model, perhaps some thought could be given to mixing the model up. Perhaps a mix of private, community and Te Whatu Ora ownership?

  • Posted by Blacksands April 24, 2023 at 12:18

    It does seem rather unfortunate that the most widely accessed health care service is becoming increasingly more expensive, unless you happen to hold a Community Services Card. And, one curious irony for CSC holders is it's actually cheaper for them to visit their GP for a repeat prescription rather than simply requesting it (by phone or online) as many practices have increased their charges for repeats which exceed the CSC holders usual consultation fee.
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