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Wairarapa's two Primary Health Organisations have cut the cost of medical prescriptions for young people. Instead of families paying around $15 per prescription, 6-17 year olds enrolled with their local PHO now pay only $3 as part of the Government's push to make primary health care affordable for everyone.
More than 3.1 million New Zealanders now belong to a Primary Health Organisation. Those in most needy areas and nearly 700,000 under-18s can expect a reduced cost per health visit and cheap prescriptions. From 1 July, people over-65 enrolled at their PHO also qualify for $3 prescriptions.
On 1 April the Government launched 10 new Primary Health Organisations bringing the national total to 68. The Government is investing nearly half a billion dollars over four years to bring down the cost of doctor visits and prescriptions and to support primary care providers' work to keep their patients in good health within their communities and out of hospital.
Ms Beyer said it's great to see the momentum of PHO enrolment in the Wairarapa area and the Government's commitment to providing affordable, targeted health care.
"Wairarapa Community PHO has around 37,000 people enrolled and Tararua PHO has about 15,500. Everyone can benefit from a more holistic approach to healthcare, and that's what we want."
Ms Beyer said she believes the good health of the young and old provides fairness and security is an indicator of a decent society.
"The Government don't want people taking risks by not seeing a doctor because they can't afford to. It's like knowing a car needs a new tyre before a road trip and not changing it because you can't pay for one - it's dangerous. I want people to be able to maintain their health by regular visits to their local practice," she said.
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