Keeping ourselves and our families healthy is one of the most important things for the Indian community and all Kiwis, but if we do become sick, we want to know that we have a reliable public health service to fall back.
A strong public health service gives families peace of mind and it has been a priority of the National-led Government.
Despite incredible economic challenges, National has continued to invest strongly in public health, more than ever before.
We have invested an additional $3.34 billion of new operating and capital funding into health in the past five years and next year our public health services budget will reach a record $15.6 billion.
We are making each dollar go further; over the past five years more and more, New Zealanders have received the operations they need faster than ever before. About 40,000 more patients now receive elective surgery each year.
We are building on this success and investing $110 million into elective surgeries, which will mean more Kiwis will benefit from hip and knee replacements and other elective surgeries, and they will get it sooner.
Real difference
Elective surgery makes a real difference to patients and their families – it reduces pain, restores independence, and improves quality of life.
We are committed to moving focus from the back office to the frontline.
We have record numbers of doctors and nurses at the bedside caring for patients in our public hospitals.
Since 2008, over 1500 more doctors and 3200 more nurses have entered our health workforce. Without their care, compassion and commitment, we will not be able to deliver quality health services.
No parent should be put off getting medical assistance for their young children because of cost. National made sure that those under the age of six go to the doctor for free, any time of the day or night.
Extended benefits
From next year, this will be extended to their older brothers and sisters. This decision will benefit more than 400,000 primary school-aged children and their families.
Protecting and growing the public health service for New Zealand families is part of our priority to deliver better public services.
This Government has provided not only record funding, but also record results.
This is what careful financial management can deliver to Kiwi families.
There is always more to do, and we will continue to invest in our health services as a part of our commitment to deliver better, sooner, more convenient healthcare for families.
Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi is Member of Parliament on National List.
