ACT proposes $400 million investment for general practice

The ACT Party has promised to invest $400 million over four years into general practice to increase the supply of doctor appointments. This funding would consist of an annual $100 million boost to capitation rates, which is the primary way general practice is funded through fixed amounts per enrolled person. This increase would be provided on top of normal capitation increases.

The policy aims to retain experienced staff and attract doctors from overseas. ACT candidate James Christmas stated that 35% of GPs intend to retire within five years and 18% are considering moving overseas. The party also intends to reform and streamline medical regulators to reduce obstacles for qualified professionals.

ACT aims to encourage GPs to work longer hours to increase capacity. The party suggests that restoring the average GP work week to 36.4 hours, as it was ten years ago, would be equivalent to hiring hundreds of new doctors. Currently, reports vary on average GP hours, with one report stating 34.2 hours and another stating 33.9 hours.

The party criticised Labour's policy of offering three free GP visits per year. David Seymour said, “Labour’s policy to hand out three taxpayer-funded GP visits each year for the worried well will only make things worse”. James Christmas added, “There’s no point promising more free appointments if there aren’t enough doctors to provide them”.

Where reports differ

• Reports differ on the average number of hours worked by GPs, citing either 34.2 hours or 33.9 hours.

Compiled from reports by Stuff, NZ Herald, RNZ and The Post.