Health minister Tony RyallThursday 05 February 2009, 4:00PM
Media release from health minister Tony Ryall
The Crown Health Financing Agency (CHFA) has identified financial
risks to the sector in the next three years, while District Health
Boards New Zealand (DHBNZ) has warned that rising costs are forcing
DHBs to live beyond their means.
The new Health Minister, Tony Ryall has released the final two
briefings he received as incoming Minister.
Mr Ryall says, "The CHFA briefing warns that the sector's capital
costs will continue to rise. And we already know that the demand
for capital is hundreds of millions of dollars in excess of what is
available."
The briefing also has a CHFA credit rating for each District Health
Board, noting four DHBs improved their rating from last year, 15
were unchanged and two deteriorated.
Mr Ryall says, "This reflects the worsening financial situation
confronting many DHBs and the new government. However, this
Government has made it clear that we will continue the growth in
health spending over the next three years, including the extra
annual allocation of $750 million"
The briefings are available on the organisations' respective
websites: www.chfa.govt.nz and www.dhbnz.org.nz