Kaitaia-based health provider Te Hau Ora o Te Hiku o Te Ika has waived its fees for patients under the age of 18, as of yesterday.
"These are vulnerable years, especially for Maori children," Dr Bruce Gregory, who chairs the trust that governs the practice, said last week," adding that the trust was responding to the hardship families were facing in tough economic times, wanting to do its best to ease some of that financial burden.
Medical care for all enrolled patients under the age of 18 would now be free.
"While hospital-based after hours charges remain the same, consistent with the standard in the community, it is our hope that eliminating the fee to see a doctor or nurse in the GP clinics will ensure easier access and earlier intervention for children with medical needs," Dr Gregory said.
"We wholeheartedly support the Ministry of Health's initiatives for children's health such as free for medical care and medications for children under six, the change to after hours fees for under sixes, and providing free dental care to teenagers (13-17 years) through our practice at Number One Dental. Te Hiku wanted to take it a step further, so the move to free consultations for all children aligned perfectly with our commitment to improving health access for tamariki and rangatahi."
