The cost of seeing a doctor has risen 21 percent since National came into office, according to today’s inflation data.

“Under Christopher Luxon, seeing a doctor costs a fifth more than it did under Labour, and around 650,000 people can’t afford to see a GP or nurse practitioner when they need to,” Labour health spokesperson Dr Ayesha Verrall said.

“National has no plan to help with the cost-of-living and instead blames everyone else for their own choices.

“Since December 2023, the average GP visit has risen to $60. Some GPs now charge nearly $100 a visit.

“When people can’t afford to see their doctor, they put off getting care. That means conditions get worse and people end up needing more expensive hospital treatment.

“Labour will make healthcare more affordable with three free GP visits a year for every Kiwi.

“We’ll also free up more doctor’s appointments and fix the way GP practices are funded, addressing the underfunding that has driven unsustainable fee increases.

“That’s real action that will lower costs for households and keep people healthier and out of hospital,” Ayesha Verrall said.