New minister of health has big to-do list

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners congratulates David Clark MP on his appointment as Minister of Health, and Julie Anne Genter MP and Jenny Salesa MP on their appointments as associate health ministers.

College President Dr Tim Malloy said: “We welcome the appointment of David Clark as Minister of Health, who takes up this position bringing with him plenty of experience as Labour’s health spokesperson in opposition. David has taken the time to get to know the sector.

“I also welcome the appointments of Julie Anne Genter and Jenny Selesa, who both bring with them valuable expertise in health.

“David Clark has a big primary care in-tray, given the inequities in how Kiwis pay for primary care, and the pressure GPs are under with the workforce shortage and burn-out rates, particularly in rural and low-income areas.

“The College is keen to work with the new ministerial team.”

Election promises

During the election campaign, all three parties now represented in Government made plans around improving primary care. In particular, Labour committed to increase the intake to 300 GP training places per year and initiating a review of primary care funding.

Dr Malloy added: “The new Government’s priority should be initiating its review of primary care funding, fully involving the College and the primary health care sector. We want to work with the government to ensure all New Zealanders have access to high quality and sustainable primary care.

“Training 300 new GPs a year will result in real benefits to patients, so we look forward to making this happen.”

Coalition and confidence and supply agreements

The Labour-New Zealand First coalition agreement sets out that free doctors’ visits will be extended to cover all under-14s and implements new health checks.

Dr Malloy said: “These announcements will be welcomed by families across New Zealand, but the new Government must make sure these policies are fully-resourced so that general practices can deliver them sustainably.”