Ryall undermining public health for private gain

In Parliament today the Green Party has criticised the Government’s outsourcing of surgery to the private sector as a move to undermine the public health system.

“Despite the Minister’s rhetoric around being committed to a functioning health system led by clinicians, all his actions point to a move to bring in more private health insurance and private hospitals,” said Green Party Health Spokesperson Kevin Hague.

“The contracting out of surgery to the private sector is a prime example of this - it makes no sense when there is unused capacity in the public sector, unless you aim to push doctors into the private sector which will undermine the public health system and force people to get private insurance.

In the House, Tony Ryall was questioned about his support for “In Good Hands” which provides guidelines for promoting clinical leadership in District Health Boards (DHBs), which he had earlier supported. Despite this he has failed to consult with doctors over the contracting out of surgical services to the private sector, said Mr Hague.

It had been previously agreed that DHBs would consult with health professionals before surgical services are contracted out to the private sector, but it appears the Minister has removed this requirement.

“Why did the Minister choose not to consult with the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists before making his changes to encourage more contracting out of surgery to the private sector? He must know that they will oppose this move as it damages the public health system.

“The Minister needs to look at ways of using the public health services better rather than going straight for the privatisation option which will ultimately undermine public healthcare and everyone’s right to a decent standard of care,” said Mr Hague.

For further information

Clinical leadership in Good Hands, Tony Ryall press release, 12 March 2009 (www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0903/S00180.htm)