Latest fromMinistry of Health
Drug gaffe endangers blood-clot patients
A common blood-thinning drug is being recalled after a manufacturing blunder that could cause thousands of NZers to accidentally overdose.
Hospitals propose preferential treatment
Two DHBs propose to offer public hospital patients the option of paying for treatment that is not funded by the public health system.
Crown to appeal decision that carer parents should be paid
The Crown is appealing a landmark Human Rights Review Tribunal decision enabling parents caring for severely disabled adult children to be paid.
Sea slug study can't find cash
Toxic sea slugs could be living in the waters around New Zealand but money to study them is proving harder to find than the slugs themselves.
Addiction fears trigger bid to control painkillers
Public access to a widely-used class of painkillers containing codeine is likely to be restricted within months over addiction fears.
Fire Service increasingly sent on ambulance callouts
The Fire Service is increasingly being sent to emergencies when an ambulance has been requested, statistics show.
Carer dad says Ryall should 'give us our due'
Cliff Robinson has a message for Health Minister Tony Ryall: "Show some sense and good grace and give us our due."
How to avoid buying a P lab
An anti-drug campaigner is calling for tougher regulations to ensure Kiwis know if their house has been used a P-lab.
Parents win disabled care case
Parents who care for severely disabled adult children should be eligible to receive payments, a tribunal has ruled.
Australia opens door to NZ doctors
Plans to make it easier for NZ doctors to work wherever they like in Australia are predicted to worsen this country's medical workforce crisis.
Broadcaster fights for home
Broadcaster Willie Jackson is making a last-ditch attempt to save a Mangere rest home slated for closure by the Counties Manukau DHB.
Maori women pay price for their high addiction rate
Just under 50 per cent of Maori women smoke, compared to 20 per cent for the whole population aged 15 to 64.
Battle lines drawn in final push to get rid of tobacco
A sea change may be occurring in young people's attitudes to tobacco.
Smoking tax rise explored by Govt
The Ministry of Health has given the clearest signal yet that the Government is likely to increase the tax on cigarettes to help slash the number of people who smoke.