Venkat Raman
Auckland, July 1, 2025
Health Minister Simeon Brown has unveiled a transformative initiative poised to reshape access to primary healthcare across the nation, effective today (July 1, 2025).
Marking a significant stride in public health reform, Kiwis will now be able to receive 24/7 virtual primary healthcare services – anytime, anywhere in Aotearoa.
Whether it is a child spiking a fever in the dead of night, a rash appearing unexpectedly on a public holiday, or a farmer miles away from the nearest town needing urgent medical advice, timely and expert care is now just a few clicks away.
Mr Brown said that since its pilot launch in May, nearly 4500 New Zealanders have already accessed the digital service, which is now fully available to the public.
“This is about making sure Kiwis can get the medical help they need when they need it, especially when they cannot get a timely appointment with their regular general practitioner (GP), or outside normal clinic hours,” he said.
The service connects patients to clinicians through trusted providers using secure digital technology. Doctors and nurse practitioners can assess symptoms, diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and provide referrals.
“This means people can receive professional medical advice and treatment when they need it, no matter where they are or what time it is,” Mr Brown said.
Some examples are: A mother with a sick child in the middle of the night; Someone waking up with a sudden rash on a public holiday; A farmer in rural New Zealand needing help after hours; A family on holiday in a different part of the country; someone not enrolled with a local GP.
This sweeping change reflects not only the evolving needs of contemporary society but also a decisive government response to years of systemic strain within the health system, Mr Brown said.
Healthcare without borders
Traditionally, access to healthcare in New Zealand has been reliant on local enrolment with a general practitioner, fixed operating hours, and physical proximity to clinics. The new initiative discards these limitations in favour of flexibility and inclusion.
According to Mr Brown, a mother in Invercargill, up through the night worrying about her toddler’s cough; a student in Wellington waking with unfamiliar symptoms during a long weekend; or a family adventuring through the Coromandel far from their regular GP; each of these scenarios illustrates where this new model makes a real difference.
“Even those who are not enrolled with a local GP can now receive advice, prescriptions, and referrals through licensed providers, minimising disruptions to everyday life while ensuring health remains a top priority,” he said.
Aimed at strengthening frontline services, the package reflects a multi-layered strategy to address longstanding issues and elevate the quality of care for all.
Key elements include (a) Increased access to urgent and after-hours care, ensuring medical assistance is available when most needed (b) 100 clinical placements for overseas-trained doctors to bolster capacity in underserved areas (c) Recruitment incentives to attract up to 400 graduate nurses annually, sustained over five years, an ambitious attempt to ease staffing pressures and ensure continuity of care (d) 100 new doctor training places to be introduced during the current term of the government (e) A targeted programme for up to 50 graduate doctors to pursue careers in primary care each year, strengthening the pipeline of future GPs (f) The establishment of 120 training placements for nurse practitioners, specialists who play a critical role in integrated care models (g) Accelerated tertiary education for another 120 primary care nurses, fast-tracking talent into the workforce.
“These measures are designed not only to expand the clinical workforce but also to better support them in delivering culturally responsive, accessible, and timely care across diverse communities.
The Providers Leading the Digital Shift,” Mr Brown said.
The digital service will not, however, replace the role of General Practitioners (GPs).
Mr Brown said that the new initiative ensures that care is available when and where needed, helping to bridge the gap when traditional access to a GP is not possible.
“The providers will be required to send clinical notes back to a patient’s GP after an appointment. This ensures safe, consistent treatment and strengthens follow-up care, and is about delivering connected care New Zealanders can trust. At the same time, we are backing GPs with a record up to 14% funding boost this year to support the critical work they do in our communities,” he said.
Key Providers
Eight providers have been contracted by Health New Zealand to deliver virtual services under this initiative. Each brings a unique approach to digital health, offering a mix of video consultations, remote diagnostics, and prescription services: Bettr Online, CareHQ, Emergency Consult, The Doctors Online, MedOnline, Pocket Lab, Tend and Practice Plus.
With this collaborative network of providers, patients have multiple options to suit their preferences, technological comfort, and cultural needs. Importantly, these services are subsidised for eligible groups, including children under 14, Community Services Card holders, and young people meeting specific criteria, ensuring that affordability does not become a barrier to access.
Facing the Realities
New Zealand, like many nations, has grappled with persistent challenges in delivering equitable and efficient healthcare. Years of underinvestment in infrastructure and workforce development, combined with uneven management of the public health system, have left critical gaps, particularly in rural and high-need urban areas.
One of the most pressing issues is the shortage of trained professionals. General practitioners, nurses, mental health specialists, and other frontline workers are in short supply. Many clinics operate with limited staff, causing delays in treatment and, at times, leading to the closure of essential services in remote communities.
Compounding this is an ageing population, growing demand for chronic disease management, and the rising mental health needs of young people, all of which place immense pressure on an already stretched system. These challenges have called for both innovation and decisive action.
Policy Shifts and Immigration Reform
In response, the government has implemented various policy shifts aimed at attracting and retaining talent in the healthcare sector. Immigration rules have been relaxed to facilitate the entry of overseas-trained medical professionals, particularly those willing to work in high-need areas. New registration pathways, streamlined processes, and employment incentives are helping skilled practitioners transition into the New Zealand healthcare workforce with greater ease.
Furthermore, the expansion of clinical placements for foreign doctors is expected to provide relief to overburdened practices and broaden cultural competence within the system, an essential step in serving New Zealand’s increasingly diverse population.
In parallel, efforts are underway to improve working conditions, support professional development, and offer incentives for rural placements. These include housing assistance, student loan relief, and career advancement opportunities, all critical levers in sustaining the healthcare workforce long term.
Towards a more resilient System
The newly launched 24/7 primary healthcare initiative marks a turning point in the evolution of New Zealand’s public health landscape. It underscores a strategic commitment to harnessing technology to close access gaps, relieve pressure on emergency departments, and improve outcomes across the board. It also signals a shift in philosophy, from a system that reacts to illness to one that anticipates needs, empowers individuals, and embraces the digital tools of the future. By delivering care that transcends geography, enrolment status, and time of day, the government’s plan puts people first.
For further information, including pricing, please visit info.health.nz/onlinegp
