Kiwis turn to private care as colonoscopy waitlists grow

Monday 25 August 2025 · 7 outlets · 4 reports · updated Mon 25 Aug 2025, 10:05am

Increasing numbers of New Zealanders are paying for private colonoscopies due to public health system waitlist challenges. Health NZ is facing staffing shortages and regional gastroenterologist deficits, resulting in approximately one-third of these procedures being privately funded.

How they headlined it

7:26am9:01am10:05am

1. The Press via RNZMon 25 Aug 2025, 7:26am

   Thousands go private for colonoscopy as public waits grow (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Post (opens in new tab), Waikato Times (opens in new tab)

2. Otago Daily TimesMon 25 Aug 2025, 8:05am

   Bowel screen crisis: Thousands go private as public waits grow (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldMon 25 Aug 2025, 9:01am

   Colonoscopies delayed: Kiwis turn to private care amid waitlist crisis (opens in new tab)

4. 1News via RNZMon 25 Aug 2025, 10:05am

   Colonoscopy crisis: Thousands go private as public waits grow (opens in new tab)

   Also on RNZ (opens in new tab)