Labour will make cervical screening free, adding it to the Medicard alongside three free doctor’s visits a year for all New Zealanders.

“Each year 175 New Zealanders are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 55 die from it. Almost every case is preventable with better uptake of cervical screening and vaccination,” Labour health spokesperson Dr Ayesha Verrall said.

“Adding free cervical screening to Labour’s Medicard will prevent cancers and avoid costly hospital treatments.  

“Under Labour, cervical screening will be free of charge. A Medicard is all anyone will need to take to their local doctor or community screening event.

“Free cervical screening means earlier diagnosis, lives saved, and less pressure on our hospitals. No one should have to pay for cervical screening when other screening programmes are free.

“New Zealand has committed to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030. Free cervical screening and HPV vaccination will help us reach that goal.

“With three free doctor’s visits and free cervical screening, Labour’s focus is on helping people stay healthy and out of hospital.

“Labour’s Medicard is about making sure every New Zealander can get the care they need, when they need it,” Ayesha Verrall said.