Posted by Michael Wonder on 03 Aug 2019
New Zealand health system: universalism struggles with persisting inequities
3 August 2019 - New Zealand was one of the first countries to establish a universal, tax-funded national health service.
Unique features include innovative Māori services, the no-fault accident compensation scheme, and the Pharmaceutical Management Agency, which negotiates with pharmaceutical companies to get the best value for medicines purchased by public money. The so-called universal orientation of the health system, along with a strong commitment to social service provision, have contributed to New Zealand's favourable health statistics.
However, despite a long-standing commitment to reducing health inequities, problems with access to care persist and the system is not delivering the promise of equitable health outcomes for all population groups.
