A leading private healthcare provider has sought closer working relationship with the Government to improve the health of New Zealanders in general and those with the highest needs in particular.
East Tamaki Health Care (EHTC) Directors Dr Kantilal Patel, Ranjna Patel, Chief Executive Rakesh Patel and General Manager Dr John Evangelista and National Hauora Coalition Chair Sir Wira Gardiner made the suggestion to Prime Minister John Key during his visit to the ETHC headquarters on April 1.
They said Government support was significant in achieving their goal of continuous improvement and innovative health care delivery through public private partnerships especially at integrated family health centres.
They briefed Mr Key of ETHC’s plans to open two IFHC facilities in 2011.
“Together with the Counties Manukau District Health Board, these facilities will pioneer the delivery of devolved specialty services into the primary care setting. These facilities will house ETHC’s Mother and Child Centre as well as its Chronic Disease Management Center,” Dr Evangelista said.
Dr Patel asked Mr Key to consider how the Government would ensure that health providers, who are committed to offering low cost access to health services to large patient populations that are ‘walk-in-no-appointment’ and ‘open-for- extended-hours’ are adequately incentivised and rewarded.
“All these within a funding envelope no greater than the current one, if not smaller,” he said.
Mr Patel outlined to Mr Key the growth of EHTC and how his parents Dr Kantilal and Ms Patel founded a small general practice in Otara more than 35 years ago and built it to become a major healthcare provider.
“Bringing international medical expertise and reinvesting back into the General Practices has seen the development of world class medical systems and a culture of growth and innovation continues to flourish,” he said.
The Organisation today has 15 General Practices across the region, servicing 105,000 enrolled patients, with 180,000 casual consultations per annum.
A large pacific workforce along with a dedicated Pacific Liaison Manager, ensures that given the fact ETHC is the provider to the largest Pacific population, a solid understanding of its patient population’s needs and aspirations regarding their healthcare is maintained.
With its White Cross partner, EHTC provides nine Accident and Emergency facilities across the region offering over 300,000 casual consultations per annum, many of which are provided after hours.
With 15 Pharmacies as part of the Integrated Primary care network, the organisation manages more than two million prescriptions per year.
A Company within the Group offers healthcare provision and ill health prevention to employers for their employees in the workplace. Among its key clients are Emirates, The Warehouse and Hynds Group.
Mr Key said EHTC was a model for healthcare providers.
EHTC won the Supreme Business of the Year Award at the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards 2009, along with Best Innovation and Best Professional Services Business Awards that year.
