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November 25, 2024
Pay gap leaves primary health struggling
Atereano Mateariki
Posted On November 25, 2024
Download AudioThe chair of General Practice New Zealand, says pay inequity between GP staff and hospital staff is leaving community health in the dark.
Findings from the 2023/24 New Zealand Health Survey show that timely GP access remains a challenge for 25% of adults and 20% of children, sparking concern over systemic affordability and accessibility issues.
Porirua GP, Dr Bryan Betty says the capitation system—where Health New Zealand, Te Whatu Ora, pays general practices or Primary Health Organisations based on a per-capita model—is no longer fit for purpose.
He says payments have failed to keep up with inflation, driving doctors and nurses away from general practice to hospital roles.
The government must address this crisis urgently.
“We need to have access to quality medical care in the community, and that needs to be across the board, regardless of where you live or who you are. And I think this is a real challenge for Aotearoa New Zealand going forward,” says Betty.
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