Today’s NZ Health Survey shows Christopher Luxon’s weak leadership is failing New Zealanders’ health.

Nearly 650,000 people can’t afford to see their family doctor and progress towards the 2025 smokefree goal has flatlined.

“National has made it harder and more expensive than ever to get healthcare. It’s unacceptable that since Luxon took office, over 100,000 more people can’t afford to see a doctor when they need help,” Labour health spokesperson Dr Ayesha Verrall said.

“One in four Pasifika adults can’t afford to see a doctor. That means people are going without basic care for their health issues. When people get care early, it takes pressure off our emergency departments.

“87,000 people don’t go to the doctor because they already owe money to their clinic. This number has increased by 11,000 in the last year.

“Luxon doesn’t have a plan to fix our health system but Labour does. Labour will ensure every New Zealander gets three free doctor’s visits, so people can access care when they need it. This will keep people out of hospital and help reduce the burden on an already stretched health system.

“The NZ Health Survey also shows progress towards a smokefree New Zealand has ground to a halt.

“Smoking has increased among Māori, disabled, and Asian communities, and 7000 more people now smoke more than a pack a day compared to last year.

“Scrapping Labour’s smokefree legislation – one of the first things this Government did – is hurting our communities and Luxon has no plan to turn this around.

“Just in the last few weeks, New Zealand has tumbled from 2nd to 53rd in the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index. It’s plain for all to see that giving a $300 million tax break to tobacco companies does nothing to help New Zealanders quit smoking or protect our health,” Ayesha Verrall said.