Wed, 21 Apr 2021, 2:51PM
National is already taking aim at the Government s major health sector reform, calling it a reckless move that will see regions lose their autonomy.
The party s health spokesman, Shane Reti, was also critical of plans to create a separate Māori Health authority, saying it could create a two-tier system . On one hand Health Minister Andrew Little claims he s trying to create a single, harmonious, joined-up health system and on the other he s creating a two-tiered funding system based on race.
But Te Pāti Māori (the Māori Party) has welcomed this morning s news – particularly the announcement of a Māori Health Authority.
Minister of Health Andrew Little reveals a major reform of the health system which will abolish all of the DHBs nationwide.
Health experts are concerned the Government’s move to abolish district health boards in favour of a centralised body could mean the nuances of different communities’ needs – particularly across the Auckland region – fall by the wayside. On Wednesday, Health Minister Andrew Little announced the move to scrap the country’s 20 health boards and create a single health entity, in a sweeping plan to centralise the country’s fragmented healthcare system and put an end to the “postcode lottery” of care.
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The dramatic shakeup of the health sector is a “bold move” that exceeds any expectations, and it leaves National in a tricky spot, 1 NEWS political reporter Maiki Sherman says.
Your playlist will load after this ad Maiki Sherman says the announcement to cull the DHBs leaves National “in a tricky spot”. Source: 1 NEWS
The Government announced changes this morning including an end to district health boards in favour for a national organisation, as well as creating a new Māori Health Authority and a new public health agency.
Sherman says removing the DHBs was a bombshell no one saw coming.
SIMON O CONNOR/STUFF/Stuff
The building project underway at Taranaki Base Hospital will continue alongside the Government s new health reforms (file photo).
The new focus on Māori health has been welcomed, but there are also fears Taranaki’s rural communities will miss out in the Government’s radical plans for a national healthcare system. In an slew of reforms announced on Wednesday by Health Minister Andrew Little, the Government will abolish all 20 district health boards, and create a single organisation similar to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service to oversee the health sector.
ROBERT KITCHIN/Stuff
Health minister Andrew Little announced major reforms of the health sector in the Beehive Banquet Hall at Parliament.