Good health $10 - kids free

When it comes to taking their four children to the doctor, Suzanne Maka Kea and Doc Tuaoi, do not hesitate. Visits to the Otara Union Health clinic are free for their children, aged 18 months to 9 years.

"If we had to pay for the kids we would probably put it off," says Ms Maka Kea, a teacher's aide.

"But if it came down to them getting really sick we would take them regardless of the price."

Ms Maka Kea says the family make about three visits a month to the doctor. Flu, eczema and asthma are the most common reasons, and more recently the children have received their meningococcal B vaccinations.

In the last couple of weeks Mr Tuaoi, a dispatcher for Tip Top, has been going to the doctor for a rugby-related back injury - patients aged between 24 and 64 pay $10 a visit.

"When I had my injury and this [surgery] was closed, I waited till Monday. They would have sent me for x-rays and here it's free."

Mr Tuaoi said his mother and other family members who live nearby in Otara complained about the cost of visiting their doctor, where adults paid about $20.

Other families he knew put off going to the doctor because they worried about the cost.

The pair believe the price they are charged for their visits is fair - before April last year they paid $18 to see a doctor at the clinic.

Seeing your GP

Charges for the 6000 people enrolled with Otara Union Health:
Under 6: free
All schoolchildren: free
Those aged 18 to 64: $10
Over 65: free