Comment wanted on bill

In March, Parliamentarians will be considering a bill to allow all those over 65 years of age to have three free doctor’s visits a year. Many older citizens are unwell and frequently need to visit a doctor, at some expense. The Grey Power organisation supports this bill, as, I am sure, most New Zealanders do.

A comment from Louise Upston, our Parliamentary representative, would be appreciated. RESPONSE: National believes the private member’s bill being promoted by NZ First is poorly targeted, unnecessary and expensive. There is already support for over 65-year-olds and those who struggle to pay for a doctor’s visit, such as the High User Health Card, the Community Services Card, the Pharmacy Subsidy Card, and the Very Low Cost Access Scheme.

The New Zealand Medical Association chairman Dr Mark Peterson has said the policy is unnecessary and difficult to justify.

‘‘We need to target increased funding to those who really need it, those people who can’t afford to go to the doctor otherwise,’’ he said.

More than 21,700 extra elective operations are being performed on over 65s each year since National came to office – a 47 per cent increase

Now, National is investing $50 million extra over three years to help New Zealanders live free from bone, muscle and joint pain, and provide even more people with elective surgery. With earlier intervention, increased surgeries and more support we can improve the quality of life for people suffering from a range of conditions.

Foundation grateful

On behalf of the Heart Foundation, I would like to offer my warm thanks to everyone who kindly gave up their time to volunteer for us during Heart Week, our annual appeal.

The Heart Foundation is a charity and we rely heavily on everyday Kiwis to help us continue our fight against heart disease.

We are fortunate so many people in Cambridge and the greater Waikato felt moved to support us by standing in public with a bucket in hand, collecting donations last week.

We would also like to acknowledge the support of the Cambridge Cardiac Support Group, the group from the Lauriston Park Retirement Village and the Lions Club of Cambridge. You all helped make Heart Week a huge success.

I also want to thank each person who dug deep and made a donation during Heart Week. Your contribution means we can keep fighting heart disease in this country. I can assure you your donation will remain in this region.

Lastly, we are extremely grateful to all the business owners who allowed us to collect donations outside their premises. Thanks again to everyone for getting behind our cause during Heart Week. Heart disease is still this country’s biggest killer but together we can change that.

It’s not too late to donate. Call us on 0800 830 100 or go to the website heartfoundation.org.nz/donate.