PHOs offer valuable services but not enough money goes to patient care

+Opinion
Rotorua GPCME 2025

PHOs offer valuable services but not enough money goes to patient care

New Zealand Doctor team

New Zealand Doctor team

Waikohu Health Centre specialist GP Mark Devcich
Mark Devcich is a specialist GP at Waikohu Health Centre in Gisborne [Image: Canva composite]

This year’s GPCME, held at Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre from 5 to 8 June, took place against a backdrop of change in the health sector. Reporter Zach Thompson asked attendees what role they see PHOs playing in the future of primary care

PHOs were a promising idea, but direct contracting may offer a better path forward, says Gisborne specialist GP Mark Devcich. “At the time, it was