Issues facing our Health System

There was a recent NZ Initiatives Health Innovator Summit held in Auckland recently.

One of the keynote speakers was Lester Levy who is Commissioner of Health NZ who spoke about the past, current and future of our healthcare system. Some of the key takeouts were:

GP Shortage (up to 1,000 less by 2030)

GP visits have surged by 2.2 million since 2008, and the strain on the system is evident as 1 in 3 practices are no longer accepting new patients. This marks a four fold increase since 2019 with no signs of it easing

Aging Population

By 2028 projections indicate that one in 5 individuals will be 65 or older signally a significant demographic shift

Mental Health

Mental health is a critical issue with on in four young adults experiencing significant psychological distress

Diabetes

Lifestyle factors are also impacting health, with three in ten Kiwis having a BMI over 30, contributing to increased rates of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.

Pretty powerful stuff I am sure you will agree.

Some one that I know tried to see their GP but no times were available for at least two weeks.

Also, around the same time his mom had to wait 8 hours in the her GPs reception waiting to be seen, and then be charged $80 for the service.

Some people are using a virtual GP service but that is also not effective for all ailments, and also many people feel uncomfortable being on the net discussing very personal issues.

Without private cover today any illness we may have will most probably get worse without proper medical assistance as the medical system in place can no longer cope with the increasing level of population and the low numbers of doctors / nurses being hired each year from medical school.

For any questions regarding private health insurance you can contact us any time for a confidential conversation and look at potential options available.

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