Children under the age of six will be able to visit after-hours doctors for free, it has been announced today.
Currently, day-time visits to the doctor are free at most clinics – a scheme introduced by the previous Labour Government – and the current Government wants to extend it to include after-hours doctor visits too.
Health Minister Tony Ryall says the new scheme will have an estimated cost of around $7 million and will roll out in July next year if negotiations with doctors and clinics go smoothly.
Mr Ryall says the programme “will be funded by efficiencies elsewhere in the health service”.
Currently, average after-hours fees for children under six years-old are $17 but in extreme cases can be as high as $100.
“All children deserve the best possible start in life, and parents shouldn't be put off taking their young children to the doctor because of costs they can't afford.
“Most children under six in greater Auckland now get free after-hours doctors' visits. This is because of a new city-wide after-hours network established by the Auckland DHBs and local GPs in September," Mr Ryall says.
Mr Ryall says some after hours clinics will not be willing to sign up to the scheme but district health boards will ensure that alternatives are available.
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