In a resolute bid to address long-standing health disparities and empower marginalized communities, Te Pāti Māori has unveiled an array of progressive health policies poised to transform New Zealand’s healthcare landscape. The party, poised to announce its comprehensive health policies, aims to usher in a new era of equitable healthcare provisions if they become a part of the next government.
The forthcoming policies, as per information obtained by the NZ Herald, encompass the following transformative initiatives:
- 10-Year Drop in Cancer Screening Age for Māori: To bolster cancer prevention among the Māori community.
- Māori Health Card Implementation: Facilitating personalized health interventions to cater to Māori-specific needs.
- Māori Accident Compensation Corporation: Paving the way for a specialized entity attuned to Māori health and well-being.
- Kaupapa Māori Mental Health Service Establishment: Fostering mental health support rooted in Māori cultural context.
- Free GP and Dental Visits for Low-Income Families: Addressing accessibility barriers to basic healthcare services.
- Enhanced Funding for Te Aka Whai Ora – Māori Health Authority: Bolstering resources for the dedicated Māori Health Authority.
Te Pāti Māori’s ambitious health vision extends to a comprehensive wishlist that encompasses:
- Free Medication Delivery for Low-Income Families: Elevating convenience and affordability for essential medications.
$1 Billion Annual Investment in Health Workforce Development: Cultivating a robust healthcare workforce for sustainable care. - Elevation and Protection of Māori Health Models: Nurturing and amplifying indigenous health systems.
- Pharmac Funding Enhancement: Fostering greater access to vital medications.
- Transferring 25% of Health Funding to Te Aka Whai Ora: Amplifying the role and resources of the Māori Health Authority.
Highlighting the urgency of their initiatives, Te Pāti Māori points out the stark disparities that persist in Māori health outcomes, with Māori on average succumbing to cancer ten years earlier than non-Māori. In response, the party asserts the need to pivot towards a “to Māori, by Māori, for Māori” approach, drawing parallels with the success of their COVID-19 vaccination efforts.
One of the party’s focal points is the affordability of healthcare, advocating for free GP and dental care for families earning less than $60,000. Recognizing the strain on whānau budgets, Te Pāti Māori contends that the rising costs of essential needs necessitate a comprehensive approach to healthcare accessibility. Moreover, the party underscores the pivotal role of preventative care and primary care in alleviating pressure on secondary care systems.
Through their comprehensive health policies, Te Pāti Māori seeks to reshape healthcare dynamics, empower underprivileged segments, and advance equitable health outcomes, channeling their vision towards a stronger, healthier Aotearoa.
