Politics | Health
Minister of Health Simeon Brown has announced the government will be introducing legislation to ensure the health system is focused on delivering better outcomes for patients.
He said Cabinet had approved a suite of amendments to the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022.
“These changes are about improving health outcomes by making sure the system is focused on delivery, not bogged down in doing the same thing twice. That means better care for patients through a more connected, transparent, and effective health system,” Brown said.
“We’re putting health targets into law so every part of the system is focused on delivering faster care, shorter wait times, higher immunisation rates, and real results.”
Brown said that infrastructure delivery was “one of the most serious failings under the previous government”.
“Too many builds were delayed, blown out, or never even started. We’re addressing this by establishing a dedicated infrastructure committee and embedding infrastructure as a core function of Health New Zealand. This means the board can focus on lifting system performance where it matters most: for patients.”
Brown said the legislation would also strengthen the Hauora Māori Advisory Committee (HMAC) and clarify the role of iwi-Māori Partnership Boards (IMPBs).