Opinion: We all want a health system that works
"Increasing access to vital medicines Southlanders deserve is the right thing to do."
Penny Simmonds is the MP for Invercargill.
We all want a health system that works – giving Southlanders the right care when they need it.
To achieve that, the Government is investing $3.4 billion in hospital and specialist services and $2.1 billion for primary care, community and public health, along with $24 million for free mental health counselling services through gumboot Friday and $22 million to train 25 more doctors each year.
Pharmac will also receive a $604 million funding boost to ensure more Kiwis can access life-changing medicines.
The coalition Government is delivering up to 26 cancer treatments as part of an overall package of up to 54 more new medicines.
Increasing access to vital medicines Southlanders deserve is the right thing to do.
Funding for pharmaceuticals is life or death, or the difference between a life of pain and suffering or living freely.
In this way, our Government continues to focus on delivering better outcomes for those with cancer.
Importantly we’re also extending free breast screening for 60,000 women, aged 70 to 74, at a cost of $31 million.
This will benefit women across the country, including Southland and is a positive step forward in the fight against breast cancer.
Having consistent access to radiology services is another critical area for timely diagnosis, high-quality care and improved health outcomes for people in the South.
That’s why the budget announcement of $30 million for improved access to radiology services is so important.
It means that local people will be able to access essential radiology services faster and not be disadvantaged by where they live.
While enabling GP’s to refer patients directly, without waiting for a specialist, is a real breakthrough which will support faster diagnoses and more efficient access to specialists.
Support for prescription fees is also significant.
Our co-payment scheme targets the most vulnerable in our community, with support available for those under the age of 14, those aged over 65 and those with community services cards.
In other words – the people in Southland who really need help, will get it.
This column has been funded by Parliamentary Service.