Claws out as Pacific providers face COVID funding clawbacks

South Seas Healthcare Super Saturday vaccination campaign with two vaccinators and a drag queen in a car

9 Oct 2024

NZ Doctor

Te Whatu Ora is accused of destroying its relationship with Pacific healthcare providers by retrospectively auditing funding provided during the COVID-19 response in south Auckland.

New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa revealed the root-to-tip audits of four Pacific providers – South Seas Healthcare, Etu Pasifika, The Fono and Baderdrive Doctors – on 25 September.

Api Talemaitoga, a specialist GP who was the public face of the national Pacific vaccination drive at the time, describes the actions of Te Whatu Ora as “disrespectful, painful and disgusting” given the commitment they showed in rapidly building a community-based campaign at a time of high risk and tremendous uncertainty.

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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.