Source: Radio New Zealand
A new report is calling for more collaboration between the public and private health sectors. Unsplash / RNZ
A new report from Westpac NZ is calling for more, and faster, collaboration between the public and private health sectors.
The Future Role of Private Healthcare in New Zealand report found the public health system was under growing pressure, with an ageing population and wider social challenges pushing demand ever further beyond capacity.
The end result was longer waiting times and widening health inequalities, particularly for Māori and Pasifika, said Westpac NZ industry economist Paul Clark.
He said the private sector was already delivering a range of services, including elective procedures.
“The opportunities for greater collaboration between the private sector and public health don’t stop there. We see scope for greater private involvement in areas such as infrastructure development in underserved communities, the upgrading of IT systems and the adoption of digital technologies,” said Clark.
The report recommended using public-private partnerships to improve efficiency, lower costs and expand timely access to diagnostics, rehabilitation, and elective care through more predictable service arrangements.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
