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Many people in Wairarapa would be forced to pay higher fees for health visits so the National party could fund its proposed $7 billion tax cut package.
Currently 2900 people registered with Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) in the Wairarapa region can access lower doctor fees, and cheaper prescriptions capped at $3 (down from $15) per item.
Wairarapa MP Georgina Beyer says locals will end up paying for National's shamelessly irresponsible $7 billion tax cuts.
"To fund cuts that big, National would have to borrow $3.5 billion and save the rest by savage cuts to our community's public services," said Ms Beyer.
"Labour prioritised affordable health care for everyone, starting with those who needed it most - the youngest and the oldest - and we're phasing in subsidised health care and prescription costs for everyone else through PHOs."
Health Minister Annette King has described National's health plan as a tragedy of error. Ms Beyer says it's easy to see why.
"National would scrap universal funding for primary health care, to save $180 million for its crazy tax pledge. They'd also cut Pharmac funding; despite promising $75 million extra over three years, that's still $24 million shy of the $99 million extra already agreed between government and the District Health Boards.
"And their so-called $100 million extra for elective surgery is pathetic. Each DHB would only get on average, $1.5 million per year which doesn't even match the extra some boards already intend spending on elective surgery over the next three years.
"National is not committed to continued funding for mental health, child health, dental health and cancer services - all areas in which Labour has delivered and will continue to deliver. Goodness knows what'll happen to the nurses' half billion-dollar pay rise and all the other money Labour's spending on keeping Health professionals in New Zealand.
"National would risk it all for a $7 billion bid to buy their way into government. But Wairarapa people can't afford to lose the health benefits and services achieved under a Labour-led government!" said Ms Beyer.
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