Free doctors' visits come early to North

Northland MP Mike Sabin has joined Health Minister Jonathan Coleman in applauding Northland's decision to fund free doctors' visits and prescriptions for children up to 13 years well ahead of the rest of the country.

The government had committed $90 million over three years to fund free doctors' visits and prescriptions for every child in the country from July 1 next year, but the Northland DHB, along with Manaia Health and Te Tai Tokerau PHO, had joined forces to kick off the initiative from October 1, at an expected cost of around $450,000, which will be met by the DHB and the two PHOs.

Mr Sabin said the government had welcomed that decision, which would see another 16,000 children, including more than 6600 in the Far North, eligible for free treatment.

"Northland's healthcare providers have responded quickly to support this initiative, with all of the region's 153 GPs at 38 general practices signing up," Mr Sabin said.

Previously free primary health care was available only to children under the age of 6.

Rose Lightfoot, chief executive of Te Tai Tokerau PHO, said it was "really important" that Northlanders would not have to wait until next year for the policy to take effect.

"The people in need in the Northland community actually have it now, and that will result in improved health and well-being for our children," Ms Lightfoot said.

Around 62,000 people were enrolled in Te Tai Tokerau PHO, which covers the area from Kawakawa north, 47 per cent of whom were classified as living in the highest level of deprivation.

The policy was not officially announced until Tuesday, as the three organisations wanted to make sure there were no teething problems.

"It's all very well to go to a doctor, but then you have to go and pay for the scripts as well," Ms Lightfoot added, which was why it was important that the $5 fee for prescription medicines was also covered.

But while cost could be a serious barrier to healthcare, it was also important to address other barriers such as transport and making doctors' offices welcoming and accessible to everyone.

The community response that she was aware of was very positive, however.

"People have been really pleased about it," she said, adding that it was hoped that the new regime would reduce hospital admission rates as parents found it easier to seek treatment for their children before their health problems reached a serious stage.