Labour is calling on New Zealanders to join its open letter demanding Christopher Luxon fix the cost of seeing a doctor.
“Because of his government’s underfunding, one in six New Zealanders can’t afford to go to the doctor,” Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said.
“Together, we can send Luxon a clear message: we won’t stand for this. Sign our open letter and demand action.
“Some New Zealanders are being charged $100 to $200 to see a doctor, often with prescription fees on top.
“Even ’cheaper’ visits are unaffordable for many, forcing people to skip essential care during a cost of living crisis.
“Getting treatment early keeps people healthier and helps ease pressure in our hospitals.
“But National’s decisions are making healthcare harder and more expensive to access.
“The impact goes beyond doctors’ visits. Cutting free prescriptions, rising costs of x-rays, scans, and ambulances, and thousands of job cuts are leaving the health system struggling to cope.
“Making community healthcare affordable would ease pressure on emergency departments and help people stay well before problems become serious.
“Labour will make it cheaper and easier to see a doctor, because your health should come before tax cuts for tobacco companies. National’s priorities are all wrong,” Ayesha Verrall said.
