June 18, 2020
Māori health authority could undermine Whānau Ora
National’s associate health spokesperson is warning if a Māori health authority was set up in line with the recommendation from the Health and Disability Services Review, it would be at the cost of Whānau Ora.
Shane Reti says while the report’s focus on equity in health outcomes is positive, he wants to see more detail on the proposed authority.
He says as well as replacing the Health Ministry’s Māori health directorate, it is also likely to take over the health aspects of Whānau Ora.
"Whānau Ora by definition is that holistic approach, all aspects of te ao Māori coming together to give the best outcomes for Māori. If you just take the health part out of that and shove it into this Māori health authority, what has Whānau Ora become? You've totally broken that holistic concept that is so important, that gives you that unique leverage into helping Māori have better outcomes," Dr Reti says.
He’s concerned the authority could just become another bureaucracy rather than getting the money to the front line where it is needed.
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