April 20, 2021
Health authority best bet for fair funding
The Green Party hopes tomorrow’s announcement on the reform of the health sector includes an independent Māori Health Authority with the authority and funding to commission services.
The Government will tomorrow deliver its response to the review of health and disability services led by health economist Heather Simpson, which recommended a Māori authority with limited advisory powers.
Health spokesperson Elizabeth Kerekere says the regular select committee reviews show the current system isn’t delivering for Māori.
Dr Kerekere says when agencies are quizzed on their spending, in every case less money is spent on Māori than non- Māori.
"We review the ministry itself and every health agency and they all say 'Māori, it is so bad, we must do extra things, look at all thse projects we have done for them,' but in every single area, no matter what kind of cancer it might be, no matter if it a dental issue, no matter if it's to do with hearing, Māori are worse off in every single category," she says.
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