RNZ
More signs are emerging of New Zealanders turning to private healthcare as the public system struggles, with Southern Cross this week reporting unprecedented demand for insurance.
The not-for-profit group says it has had a jump in business as people go private to beat the waiting lists. Chief executive Nick Astwick predicts future growth in private sector healthcare complementing the public system, but some warn that it will exacerbate a two-tier system that favours the wealthy.
Whakatāne mayor Victor Luca has been scrutinising data on public and private healthcare for years and calls it privatisation by stealth. He says the impact on people of his district would be devastating if it continues because many could not afford health insurance or private health care.