The government have proposed changed to the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Bill 2022. While the intentions promote streamlining, efficiency improvement and equitable access, there are many areas within the Amendment Bill that are of critical concern to MSNZ.
We raised in our submission:
- We are supportive of the implementation of a mental health and wellbeing strategy, recommending addressing workforce issues is of primary concern to successfully implement.
- Significant concerns we have with the increased move of resources and funding towards the privatisation of healthcare services. For many people within our MS community, the incentivisation of private health will only increase service inequities and add to already challenging barriers to accessing timely service.
- Concerned with the removal of protections for clinicians to speak out on issues of patient safety raises concerns removes a critical step in processes of risk mitigation. Clinicians should be encouraged, supported and protected to be advocates for their patients.
- Frustratingly, the Amendment Bill misses an opportunity to review the objectives and functions of Pharmac which have long been called into question. We have recommended that this opportunity be taken to ensure Pharmac no longer hides behind budget limitations and processes but empowers them to be more progressive and aspirational, valuing the investment in medicines.
- Worryingly is also a further step back from alignment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and obligations. With Māori as some of the most disadvantaged members of our community, to reach true equity we must address and acknowledge the inequities.
We have made a submission and requested to appear before the Select Committee to speak to our submission, which you can read below. Further information will be published when available.
Download a PDF copy of our submission here: Submission to the Health Futures (Pae Ora) Amendment Bill
We welcome your thoughts and feedback, please contact us on info@msnz.org.nz