November 23, 2022
National still intend getting rid of Māori Health Authority
National Party health spokesperson Shane Reti says his party still intends to get rid of the Māori Health Authority if elected despite the support it is getting from Maori heath providers and the wider sector,
Te Aka Whai Ora has just announced its second round of commissioning, with $71 million going to strengthen Māori primary and community healthcare providers, build up the Māori workforce and increase Māori access to services like maternity care, cancer treatment and mental health.
Dr Reti says he’s seen enough.
“Tens of millions of dollars spent on Ernst Young consultants to get this whole gig up and going and here we are, five months in, and what are we seeing – who’s better off? Are you better off? I’d suggest the feedback I am getting and what I am seeing with my eyes is probably not and that just talks to the vehicle not being fit for purpose,” he says.
Dr Reti says he pleaded for extra funding for Māori health providers during Covid but he doesn’t believe the Māori Health Authority is the way to address inequities.