Latest from Ministry of Health

Access to contraceptive pill simplified

Doctors have expressed concern that the changes could undermine the relationship between women and their GPs.

Health board secrecy draws ire

In the past year this health board has agonised over its finances and where budgets should be boosted or cut - all behind closed doors.

MP: Doctors prejudiced about cannabis

Patients seeking medical cannabis for pain relief will no longer need to get approval from a minister, the Government confirmed this morning.

Govt to change medicinal cannabis policy

The Government appears set to remove a hurdle to getting access to medicinal cannabis in New Zealand.

Cannabis rally at Parliament today

Protesters want the legalisation of medicinal marijuana to be an election issue.

Autistic group: 4 years' jail not enough

An autistic advocacy group says a 4four-year jail term for a Blenheim mother who killed her autistic daughter was "nowhere near enough". Autistic

Oysters recalled due to gastro bug risk

A warning not to eat chilled oysters harvested from north of Auckland has been issued, as they may be contaminated with a gastro bug.

Midwives concerned over lack of safe transfers

Midwives have complained that a lack of safe transfers from Central Otago and Queenstown to main centres is putting "women and babies at risk".

New high-tech tobacco product illegal

A high-tech tobacco product launched in New Zealand by Philip Morris is illegal, the Ministry of Health says.

Smokers tighten their purse strings

Watch NZH Focus: Quitline had its busiest day yet this week as the price of cigarettes went up again.

Concerns over new tobacco product

The product remains a mystery, with the ad saying it was important the "innovative technology" be kept under wraps until the launch.

Women warned not to skimp on food

Many women who do the recommended amount of exercise may be harming themselves by eating too little, a survey indicates.

Research finds infant sleep pods are safe

New research has found babies are safe to sleep in a Maori flax-woven bassinet that was behind a controversial Government policy U-turn

Fatal prediction for cancer test changes

Doctors are at loggerheads over changes to New Zealand's cervical screening programme, with one saying more women will die.

Gifts and a Xmas cafe lunch for needy

An Auckland cafe is putting on a free Christmas lunch for locals struggling to make ends meet, saying that's what the spirit of Christmas is all about.

Govt finds extra cash to prevent blindness

Top-up a short-term measure, ministry says

Optometrist did not show 'reasonable care'

An optometrist who failed to diagnose a retinal detachment in a patient which can lead to blindness did not show "reasonable care and skill", the Health and Disability Commission has ruled.

Social bonds failure blamed on lack of expertise

A report on failures within the government's first social bonds pilot blames them on a lack of expertise from the bureaucrats involved.