“We support the Government’s commitment to improving access to innovative medicines and protecting and growing public health services, in a tight economic climate. Thousands of New Zealand patients have benefited from increased Government investment in pharmaceuticals over the past three years,” Medicines New Zealand Chair Heather Roy says.

The budget announcement of $40 million for dementia is arrived at by adding together, over a four year period, yearly increases along with the additional funding required to cover demand growth.

A new $6 million Pacific Innovation Fund will help improve the health of Pasifika people, Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia says.

Press Release - New Zealand Government

 

Hon Tariana Turia

Associate Minister of Health

24 May 2012

Tobacco excise rise part of wider programme

Tobacc

Evidence shows that price increases in tobacco products affect smoking rates, so the Cancer Society is delighted with the budget announcement today, that prices will rise by 10% each year for the next four years.

The government has announced a 40 per cent increase in the excise tax on tobacco.

ASH communications manager Michael Colhoun says that previous tobacco tax increases have been highly successful in reducing smoking rates by spurring quit attempts.

Budget 2012 is delivering a further $68 million of operating funding over the next four years to maintain the record levels of elective surgery achieved under the National-led Government, and to further reduce waiting times for patients.

Budget 2012 is delivering an additional $33 million in operating funding over the next four years for better and faster services for cancer patients, Health Minister Tony Ryall says.

Health receives the largest increase in government spending in the Budget, with $435 million available to help fund cost pressures and new initiatives in 2012/13, Health Minister Tony Ryall says.

Builds a platform for growth, while returning to surplus in 2014/15

‘The plan for education outlined in today’s Budget comes directly from Treasury advice,’ said Paul Drummond, President of the New Zealand Principals’ Federation, ‘and will not improve the educational experience for Kiwi kids in school,’ he said.

Questions on the economy ahead of tomorrow's budget. A exchange between Winston Peters and John Key raises a laugh. Housing Minister faces tough questions from Annette King. Health Select Committee hears submissions on the Medicines Amendment Bill.

The benefit to patients from following doctors’ orders for regular exercise is highlighted in a publication launched today by Health Minister Tony Ryall.

Charitable organisation Macular Degeneration New Zealand is launching the first-ever Macular Degeneration Awareness Week, running from Sunday May 27 – Saturday June 2.

The number of kiwis taking out private healthcare insurance has fallen to the lowest level in more than six years, keeping the level of cover below the OECD average, as a weak economy and rising general insurance costs dent demand.

Smartphones can prove to be a useful tool in helping you make lifestyle changes.

Here are five free apps that will help you get fitter, eat better and set you on the way to having a healthier life.

The latest quarterly results for the Government’s immunisation health target shows five district health boards, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, MidCentral, Lakes and Southern, have reached the 95 per cent result.

New Zealand's 1st major ‘Ask The Expert’ health web feature launched itself to the public, in February 2012, to assist Kiwis with their most pressing health concerns and aspirations. The interactive service aims to help bridge the gap between our existing knowledge of the body, mind and spirit.

Two interviews with New Zealand gold medal winning paraplegic swimmer Cameron Leslie are now playing big in London.

A pre-Budget analysis of government health expenditure released today by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions estimates that if the current funding track for Vote Health is continued this year, there will be a $150 million shortfall that must be met by cuts in services, increased user charges or efficiency or productivity increases.