When I took on the health portfolio, I had no shortage of people come forward to tell me who was or was not worth listening to on health issues. The NZ Medical Association was on everyone’s list as being an important player, but there was a fair bit of warning that they were conservative and resistent to change.
My meetings with them have not borne this out, but more than that their recent statement on health inequities is in my view one of the most important statements on the direction of health policy I have seen.
To start with it distingusihes between equality (sameness) and equity (the absence of systematic disparities between groups with underlying disadvantages). Basically this matters because it acknowledges that to achieve an equitable outcome may require different levels of attention for different groups.
The NZMA recommendations are so good, I am going to do a series of posts exploring a number of them, but the first three set the framework for their response. The NZMA
-Believes that in order to eliminate inequities in health a whole of government approach will be required. In particular, policies addressing education, employment, poverty, housing, taxation and social security should be assessed for their health impact.
- Believes that economic growth should not be viewed as the sole measure of a country’s success and that the fair distribution of health, well-being and environmental and social sustainability are equally important goals.
- Calls on the government to recognise that while addressing health inequities is primarily a human rights issue, doing so is also cost effective in the long term. Inaction on the social determinants of health, and hence worsening health inequities, threatens to undermine economic growth.
This framework is so important because it recognises that the determinants of good health are well beyond what might traditionally be covered by the health portfolio, and sets them in the context of an inclusive and prosperous society.
The statement goes on to cover a number of issues picking up work from the UK led by Sir Michael Marmot that focus on giving children the best start in life, creating fair employment and work, establishing a healthy standard of living and strengthening the role of health prevention.
Great stuff, and very in line with where Labour is heading in terms of our priorities.
Great post Grant!
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Great post Grant – but again it makes me wonder why you’re on the Labour benches. To enact the approach proposed by NZMA you need a strong vibrant economy that is providing opportunity for all. You need to focus on services being delivered at the front line effectively and efficiently. You need to break the hold of special interest groups on narrow elements of policy implementation. Labour policy (driven largely by bureaucrats and narrow interest groups like unions) has failed in all these areas for years. Sadly health is an area that has suffered more than most others because of this.