Claims by Labour Ikaroa-Rawhiti MP Meka Whaitiri that Maori should be alarmed about a government savings directive, are unfounded says Hawke's Bay District Health Board chief executive Dr Kevin Snee.
"I can stand hand-on-heart and say, not only are we not cutting services, but we are developing services and improving the health experience of Maori," he said.
Ms Whaitiri said the Government had directed health boards to cut $138 million this year and Hawke's Bay's share was $10 million.
"A 2015 HBDHB report revealed Hawke's Bay Maori are more than two and a half times more likely than non-Maori to die of treatable illnesses - the last thing we need are more cuts in the sector.
"Where are these savings going to come from?" she asked.