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Cheaper doctor visits and lower-cost prescription drugs will be available to tens of thousands more central Auckland people from 1 July.

Maungakiekie MP Mark Gosche says the government's flagship Primary Health Care Strategy has already led to more affordable prescription drugs and doctor's visits for over 2 million New Zealanders.

From 1 July, the government will invest $110 million to expand affordable health care to all New Zealanders in the 45-64 age group. The changes will benefit 70,938 people registered with PHOs in the Auckland DHB area.

"To keep our families healthy, we have to provide them with health care they can afford," said Mark Gosche.

"That's why the Labour-led government has invested billions in lower-cost of GP visits and reducing the price of prescription drugs to a maximum of $3.

"People who get to see their doctor or nurse early and get the necessary advice are less likely to get seriously ill and require expensive medical treatment later on. We don't want high costs to dissuade people from making appointments."

From 1 July the price of visiting a GP for 45-64 year olds will fall significantly – in some cases by as much as $27 a visit.

From next year all New Zealanders will have access to affordable primary health care.

"All of this is good basic common-sense policy – I was frankly surprised when the National Party said they would scrap affordable doctors visits to pay for tax cuts," said the MP.

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