Health care in New Zealand

Health care in New Zealand is a mix of public and private service providers. The public health system is primarily funded through general taxation and delivers a wide range of services, including preventive, curative, rehabilitation, and support services. The private sector provides a variety of services including specialist medical and surgical services, general practice, and allied health services.

Public Health System

The New Zealand Ministry of Health is responsible for the overall health and disability system in New Zealand. The Ministry provides leadership to the health sector and the wider government to improve, promote and protect the health of New Zealanders. The Ministry also provides policy advice, regulates health providers, and administers health legislation.

The District Health Boards (DHBs) are responsible for providing or funding the provision of health services in their district. There are 20 DHBs in New Zealand, each governed by a board of up to 11 members. DHBs are funded by the Ministry of Health on a population basis.

Private Health Sector

The private health sector in New Zealand includes a wide range of providers such as private hospitals, specialist clinics, and general practitioners. Many New Zealanders have private health insurance, which covers the cost of some healthcare services not covered by the public system.

Health Workforce

The health workforce in New Zealand includes a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists, pharmacists, and allied health professionals. The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act regulates the practice of health practitioners to protect the health and safety of the public.

Health Outcomes

New Zealand has a high standard of health, with life expectancy at birth among the highest in the world. However, there are significant disparities in health outcomes, particularly for Māori and Pacific peoples, and people living in socioeconomically deprived areas.

Challenges and Future Directions

The health system in New Zealand faces a number of challenges, including an aging population, increasing chronic disease burden, and health inequities. The government has outlined a number of strategies to address these challenges, including the New Zealand Health Strategy and the Health and Disability System Review.

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