Rollout of national bowel cancer screening programme stalls

Bowel cancer testing kit

28 Jul 2024

One News

Two years ago, the Labour government announced $36 million of funding to bring the starting age for bowel screening for Māori and Pasifika people down to 50, from the previous starting age of 60.

The programme was to be trialled in selected regions in the latter half of 2022 with a more extensive rollout from July 2023.

But more than 18 months later, just three regional health authorities – Te Whatu Ora Waikato, Te Whatu Ora Tairāwhiti, and Te Whatu Ora Midcentral – are the only regional health authorities inviting Māori and Pasifika to be screened from the age of 50.

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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.