Health New Zealand is facing criticism for refusing to disclose how much it is paying private hospitals for elective surgeries under a new national outsourcing contract, with critics warning taxpayers cannot judge whether they are getting value for money.
Critics say the lack of transparency is unacceptable, especially as outsourcing volumes have nearly doubled in cost to $317m since 2019.
While the government’s “Elective Boost” programme aims to deliver faster treatment, performance data has yet to be published six months into the scheme.
Internal documents reveal Health NZ has been advised to explore Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), a move critics warn risks pushing New Zealand towards an expensive, inequitable, “American-style” healthcare system.
Image credit: Martha Dominguez de Gouveia
Such lack of transparency is a feature of today’s governments, unfortunately.
Yes, we should have the Labour party’s style of tranparancy. Joking aside. I trust the Govt has taken cost into consideration. Though Knockers will have no hesitation accepting a life saving public funded private surgery. Otherwise, WAIT for the public service to get upto speed.
It is time government are becoming more open and transparent to wards to the taxpayers. It is not good enough for private company claiming it is confidential information, you take taxpayers money you got to be prepared to open you books.