$415m boost to make doctors' visits cheaper

By STUART DYE

All New Zealanders enrolled with primary health organisations will be entitled to cheaper doctors' visits and low-cost prescriptions by July 2007, five years earlier than expected.

Health Minister Annette King said yesterday that an extra $415 million was being ploughed into the public health system over the next three years to provide cheaper care.

That means about 3.5 million people will be entitled to cheaper healthcare just five years after PHOs were introduced.

The first to benefit, from July next year, will be 18-24-year-olds, with 45-64s eligible in July 2006 and, for the rest, the 25-44-year-olds, July 2007.

Standard prescription charges of not more than $3 per item, higher subsidies for influenza injections for older people, and other benefits are all part of the package.

Ms King had originally estimated it would take eight to 10 years to provide funding to implement the primary healthcare strategy. "I was clearly too cautious, and underestimated the enthusiasm with which the PHO model would be adopted."

Prime Minister Helen Clark said: "PHOs, with their emphasis on a range of health professionals providing health care, including prevention and promotion, can improve the overall health of New Zealanders.

"They give us one of the best chances we've had in years of truly making a difference to the quality of life in this country".

The New Zealand Medical Association welcomed the additional funding. "The extra money will make a huge difference to patients, and to general practice," said chairman Dr Peter Foley.