Seize the day: Primary care’s chance to lead change

Stethoscope on top of papers

26 Sep 2024

NZ Doctor

Despite the collective and consistent warnings about the consequences of successive years of underfunding, primary care was not prioritised. The public – and our workforce – is now at risk. We are at a crossroads, and if the next choices are not made with extreme care, they could cause irreparable damage to our health system.

In my conversations with politicians and health officials, there is now an understanding and agreement that the future of general practice is precarious. I believe our funders and decision-makers are also tuning into the situation’s urgency.

Our healthcare system is clearly crying out for a shift – a pivot away from reactive care to one focused on prevention, early intervention and quality services delivered closer to home. This reorientation towards primary care and general practice has been proven to not only improve health outcomes and system efficiency but also has the potential to reduce the downstream costs that come from a system bogged down by preventable illnesses or late presentations.

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Key issues

HEALTH SERVICES AND SYSTEMS

Covering developments in the provision, funding and organisation of health care services.

EQUITY

Exploring the impacts of the health system on minorities within the population, notably including Māori, Pacifica, Asians and LGBTQI.

DRUGS, DEVICE AND DIAGNOSTICS

Covering prescription medicines and medical devices.

PUBLIC HEALTH

Focusing on efforts to promote health and prevent disease through social and economic interventions.

DIGITAL HEALTH

Exploring the potential digital transformation to provide a more connected and accessible health system.

TE TIRITI

Monitoring how the health reforms and the performance of the health sector uphold Te Tiriti obligations.