Peters wants more free doctor visits for children

Winston Peters

New Zealand First wants to extend free doctors visits to all primary school age children.

However it will not say how much the policy would cost or whether it would be a bottom line in post-election coalition talks.

When NZ First was last in government it won free doctors visits and prescriptions for children under six-years-old.

Its health policy for the upcoming election, posted on its website, says the party wants to extend free doctors visits to all primary age children.

There is no specific costing for the policy, but the party says it believes health spending needs to increase to 10 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). At present it is about 6-7 per cent of GDP.

The party also floated the policy in the lead-up to the 2002 election.

NZ First leader Winston Peters today said the costing for the policy, which would extend to 13-year-olds, would be provided when the party released its tax policy during the official election campaign.

He said critics who said the policy would be too expensive were not looking at the benefits it would provide.

"We brought in free health care for under sixes. They said that was too expensive and it's still there.

"It's a very sound investment. An investment in human capital is one of the best investments we can make."

Mr Peters said the policy would be high up in those the party would push in any coalition or support talks after the election.

NZ First is currently polling around 10 per cent, meaning it is likely both Labour and National would have to talk to it for either to form a government.

- NZPA