Unsuccessful with its push for a new national flag, the New Zealand government has enjoyed more success with the launch of a “refreshed” (its term) health strategy, aimed at tackling the challenges of the decade ahead
‘Future Direction’ has five identified themes about the health system being SMART, People-powered and Closer to home, offering Value and high performance, and operating as One team.
As the document and its companion Roadmap make clear, this idyllic state of affairs has not yet been achieved. Key areas requiring attention include Maori people’s health, and mental health.
On the positive side, 90% of New Zealanders say they are in good, very good or excellent health, and ED waits are the shortest in 11 surveyed Commonwealth countries.
However, NZ, like Australia (and elsewhere) has an ageing population, and faces lifestyle threats such as high obesity rates (30% amongst Pacific island children).
“In summary, our system may be functioning well enough today, but we can’t guarantee that it will be tomorrow… A key to our success in making these improvements will be our ability to work together.”
