December 09, 2019
DHB picks to make Maori voices heard
Health Minister David Clark says he wants to send a clear message he takes equity in the health sector seriously.
Of the 76 people Dr Clark has appointed to join elected members on district health boards, 43 are Māori, including four Māori chairs.
He says if there are to be better health outcomes for Māori, those working in the system and guiding it need to look more like the population they are serving.
"Historically we haven't had Māori chairs in our DHBs and I think it shows in the results we are getting. If we don't have Māori voices down the table we are more likely to miss some of the key factors in engaging the population we are serving and making sure we are doing things in a way that is reaching out and meeting people where they are," Dr Clark says.
The Ministry of Health is also working to build up its Maori directorate to it can better support DHBs.
Copyright © 2019, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com