Costs for the purchase of the new RATs are being met using existing funding for Covid-19 services. The current seven-day rolling average for new Covid-19 cases is 666. There were 314 people in hospital with the virus as of June 4.
Earlier today, Reti held a media stand-up at Wellington’s Waikanae Health Centre where he announced $30 million would be put towards funding free and timely access to radiology services including X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds across New Zealand.
“At the moment, some New Zealanders are having to wait weeks or months to see a hospital specialist who then refers them to radiology services, where they may wait even longer.”
New Zealanders would be able to get earlier diagnosis with primary health providers being able to refer patients, rather than waiting for a specialist, he said. Services would be delivered across both public hospitals, where available, and private radiology providers.
That update came as the Government faces criticism for not delivering on National’s pledge to fund 13 cancer drugs.
Although the Government allocated more than $16 billion across the next three Budgets for health services and cost pressures – it failed to fund the promised cancer drugs, breaking a key election pledge.
However, Finance Minister Nicola Willis has since said an announcement on that will come in the near future, but has not indicated how far away it will be.
When asked again about when New Zealanders can expect an announcement, Reti today said “we’ll be making an announcement soon.
“I wouldn’t want to pre-empt what the cancer agency will bring forward.”
Reti said he recognised the government needed to be better with communication with health announcements and promises.
