Media release from the NZMA

New Health Minister Tony Ryall today announced, at the ASMS national conference, that the new Government would set in place processes to allow for direct elections to the Medical Council. This is important news for the medical profession, and follows long-standing advocacy by the NZMA and other medical bodies. We are yet to hear of all the details.

New Minister of Health announced this week

Mr Ryall has spent considerable time as National Party Health spokesman, and he has had the opportunity to get to understand the key issues facing the sector, NZMA Chair Dr Peter Foley said in a media statement.  "The Minister of Health's role is a hugely demanding one, and Mr Ryall and his health team will need the support of sector groups to ensure the health needs and expectations of New Zealanders are met.

"The National Party has clearly indicated its intention to work more closely with health professionals, and of course we support this approach," said Dr Foley. "We already know Mr Ryall and his Associate Ministers very well and we look forward to working closely with them in their new roles".

The NZMA has sent Mr Ryall a letter congratulating him on his appointment, along with a briefing paper about health issues. NZMA Chair Peter Foley and CEO Cameron McIver took the opportunity to speak to Mr Ryall personally on the day his appointment was announced.

Also named in the new health line-up are Dr Jonathan Coleman, Tariana Turia and Peter Dunne (all Associate Ministers of Health), Nick Smith (Minister for ACC) and Pansy Wong (Associate Minister for ACC). On the Opposition benches, Ruth Dyson has been named Labour's Health spokeswoman, with David Parker (ACC), Winnie Laban (Associate Health - Aged Care), and Iain Lees-Galloway (Associate Health - Drugs & Alcohol).

Dr Foley spoke out publicly about the need to rationalise the 21 District Health Boards. The NZMA has called on the new Government to cut back on bureaucracy and promote consistency across the District Health Boards. Several already share services, so they have already moved in this direction. Dr Foley said he believed more rationalisation could take place without any great upheaval.