Whanganui Regional Health Network chief executive Judith MacDonald is impressed that the network's general practice members are taking advantage of lower fees for enrolled patients. Photo / File
Health Minister David Clark has hailed Whanganui District Health Board as among those leading the push for cheaper doctor visits.
Clark was commenting last week on figures which showed cheaper doctor visits were now available to nearly all those targeted by a new Government policy.
"More New Zealanders can see
their doctor at an affordable cost, thanks to the cheaper doctor visits initiatives launched in December," he said.
From April 1, about 96 per cent of Community Services Card holders and their dependants who were enrolled with a general practice were able to visit their doctor at low cost, usually no more than $18.50.
Clark cited Whanganui, among other district health boards, where nearly all general practices were providing lower-cost visits to eligible patients.
