‘Time to stop drift’ of N.Z. health system

Press, 14 January 1986, Page 4

‘Time to stop drift’ of N.Z. health system

PA Dunedin The health system has drifted along for years like a giant airship with the Minister having to rush round patching up problems to keep it above ground, says a Government member of Parliament. Mr Clive Matthewson, the member for Dunedin West, said it was now time to settle the philosophical direction the nation wanted the “airship” to travel. He said he was confident the Minister of Health, Dr Bassett, would set up a public review of the health system. “The major question is whether we want to have and pay for a full public health system. “The recent news that one medical insurance scheme has almost reached a million members shows we are drifting towards a twotier system where some people — those who can’t afford to pay — have to

take risks with their health.” Mr Matthewson said some people wanted a two-tier system. He quoted the National Party as saying in May last year that people should have to decide to take out private medical insurance or take their chances, and that the private system should be encouraged. “I am against that philosophy, as I think most people would be,” he said. Mr Matthewson said he had discussed with Dr Bassett the idea of setting up a commission or task force. “I have every reason to expect that he will take up the suggestion and I hope the general public, as well as the health professionals, will make their views known,” he said.

A commission or task force, comprising lay people as well as health experts, should begin such a review with a definite reportingback date in mind, he said.