Clinics cannot increase patient fees this year but will receive extra funding for improved results on immunisations, cancer screening and long-term health conditions.
Brown said extra funding for rural practices means rural communities will benefit significantly.
He said 86% of GP clinics voted in favour of the package.
But one outspoken GP, Dr Geoff Cunningham from Whangārei’s Bush Road Medical Centre, said the package was “a lemon” and practices only voted in support because it was the better of two bad options.
“Our funding formula is so broken, it punishes GPs for working in the highest need areas,” he said.
Dr Geoff Cunningham, from Bush Road Medical Centre in Te Kamo, says underfunding has led to Northland having a doctor shortage. Photo / NZME
While it was a good step to recognise health needs, the funding increase was not nearly enough to address the need, Cunningham said.
In 2022, a report by independent organisation Sapere found a funding increase of $614m was needed to cover practices’ losses, and address unmet need of Māori, Pasifika and low-income patients.
That now-outdated report shows how “insulting” the Government’s $120m is, Cunningham said.
Since the data was used in the 2022 report, the ageing population has grown and CPI has increased significantly, he said.
“Northland was, and remains, the region that needs the greatest funding correction.
“Northland GPs work the hardest and earn the least, hence our workforce crisis.”
Health Minister Simeon Brown says the funding changes are a significant investment in general practice and better meet patient need. Photo / Anna Heath
Funding should consider ethnicity, Mahitahi Hauora says
Northland’s largest primary health organisation, Mahitahi Hauora, was more diplomatic about the funding changes, calling them “a step in the right direction”.
“Mahitahi Hauora has long been advocating for a fairer capitation model that reflects all the factors that impact access to healthcare and outcomes for whānau,” partnership services manager Sandra Wilkinson said.
It was disappointing that ethnicity was not included as a factor, as the data shows ethnicity can have a significant impact on health outcomes, she said.
“However, we do agree that the new funding package is a step in the right direction on a longer journey towards a fairer and more fit-for-purpose model.
“We will be paying particularly close attention to the work around ensuring rural practices are given more adequate funding.”
The funding package was broadly supported by General Practice New Zealand, which said it was a significant investment in primary care and a step towards addressing long-standing underfunding.
Chairman Dr Bryan Betty said the package represented progress in a challenging fiscal environment.
“We acknowledge this is a substantial investment in general practice at a time when there are significant pressures across the health system.
“Together with last year’s increase in funding, it begins to address the historic underfunding of general practice.”
Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.