At the Ministry of Health sponsored NGO Health and Disability Sector National Forum in Wellington last week, Health Minister Dr David Clark offered the two hundred health and disability sector leaders hope by giving insight to his health priorities.
He stated his clear intention to strengthen public health services delivery, especially from DHB’s and other crown entities. The flow on effect would be a return to public health investment that had suffered from comparative disinvestment in the last nine years.
Dr Clark recognised the valuable paid and voluntary work of New Zealanders in the NGO sector, he also signalled a return to active consultation with communities.
Another priority is the need for better health and social sector enquiries and reviews. “submissions to previous enquiries will be included so as not to put people and organisations through the process again and Action plans from these enquiries are essential” said minister Clark. Direct investment to address inequity in health outcomes and improve people’s lives is a priority. The minster stated “although budget issues will be important New Zealand is small enough to overcome the system inefficiencies that lead to higher health and disability support costs”
