The Government announced what it called “the largest funding increase in the country’s history” for general health practices”.

GPs will receive a 13.89% uplift in funding this year – more than doubling the previous highest annual increase since capitation was introduced.

The $175 million boost includes a $59 million capitation increase for enrolled patients (the set payment a practice receives for each patient), $26 million to keep fees low for community service card holders and children under 14, $30 million in performance-based funding to improve childhood immunisations, and $60 million to improve appointment access and encourage data sharing.

All observers of NZ’s lagging health care delivery would agree that more support for primary care services will yield major benefit, both to individual patients’ well-being and to the rest of the health system, as hospital/ED visits will decline.

We sought local practice comment on the funding announcement. Here’s what Te Mata Practice in Havelock North had to say:

“We welcome the proposed and long-overdue uplift in funding for general practice. This investment is a critical step toward stabilising the sector, supporting staff retention, and ensuring the immediate viability of services in General Practice

“To put the uplift in context, general practice will receive approximately $1.5 billion – just five percent of the total $31 billion health budget. While this funding will help general practice “catch up” and maintain existing services, a sustainable, increased investment is essential to meet growing patient demand and ensure the future of high-quality primary care.

“We note that about 30% of the funding is tied to outcome measures, and we look forward to receiving the final details. We hope that the outcomes measures are achievable based on the funding provided.”

National commentators have reacted similarly. Thanks … but still not reflecting the full need or the leverage potential of better funded primary care.