KEY POINTS:
Labour is promising 100 extra places in medical schools by 2011, toughened regulation and public audits of aged care facilities.
Prime Minister Helen Clark and Health Minister David Cunliffe released Labour's election health policy today and said it underlined the party's commitment to a strong, safe, affordable and accessible public health system for every New Zealander.
"Labour will continue to invest in a world class public health strategy aimed at helping New Zealanders stay well.
"We will prioritise fighting the disease and disability caused by obesity, tobacco, and alcohol and by the preventable cancers."
Labour's promise to increase the number of doctors in training by 100 by 2011 follows National's pledge of an additional 200 places over five years - which would lead to 140 extra places by 2011.
Announcing the policy today, Helen Clark said Labour said was committed to new initiatives like the B4 school checks for four year-olds, bowel cancer screening and HPV vaccination against causes of cervical cancer.
She said Labour would also introduce free annual health checks for the intellectually disabled with high support needs.
Helen Clark said as soon as economic circumstances permitted it would work to lower the cost of doctor visits further, with priority being given to the 65 plus and six to seventeen year age groups.
Mr Cunliffe said Labour would work with DHBs to strengthen regional, clinical, and administrative networks.
Productivity could be lifted through joint purchasing and common approaches to workforce development and IT planning.
"Labour will also continue to prioritise shorter waiting times for treatment in the cardiac, cancer and orthopaedic services," he said.
"We will also strengthen work force development and regulation in the aged care sector, and ensure that the audits of facilities are publicly available."
- NZPA
