Free prescriptions important step forward

The Green Party is today welcoming free prescriptions.

“There should be no barriers to anyone accessing the healthcare they need. Often, prescription costs are a significant barrier to care, and a driver for people not accessing medicines that are critical to their wellbeing,” says Green Party health spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March.

“Five dollars may not seem like much, but for many households it is another unavoidable added cost on top of food and rent.

“Without regular treatment for chronic conditions such as diabetes, and heart conditions there can be disastrous outcomes.

“We’re pleased the Government will be removing this significant barrier for people on low incomes.

“Health also relies on the health of whole communities, housing standards, and access to good food.

“We urge the Government to go further and remove all cost barriers to accessing healthcare including dental, pay our nurses more, and increase incomes so everyone can access care when they need it,” says Ricardo Menéndez March.

Latest Health Announcements

Story

Greens welcome life-saving treatments for rare disorders

The Green Party welcomes the news that Pharmac will fully fund Spinraza for people under the age of 18. 
Read More

Story

Monkeypox elimination plan is essential

The Green Party is calling on the Government to listen to public health experts and commit to an elimination strategy for monkeypox. 
Read More

Story

Migrant healthcare workers need fair pay as well as residency

Migrant nurses, aged-care and support workers need fair pay as well as equitable pathways to residency, not half-baked measures from National.
Read More

Story

Nurses could face pay cut under National

A National Government would leave nurses behind, the Green Party says.
Read More

Story

Budget 2022: Greens MP Dr Elizabeth Kerekere says wins for health not enough for Māori or Rainbow

Today Greens Te Mātāwaka Chair and Health Spokesperson, Dr Elizabeth Kerekere, said “The Greens have long campaigned for an independent Māori Healt...
Read More

Story

Green Party supports nurses’ ERA decision

The Green Party supports nurses’ continued push for pay equity and calls on the Government to deliver the back pay they had expected.
Read More