National strategy for after hours care urgently needed - NZMA

The increase in patients attending emergency departments (EDs) for minor ailments, instead of visiting their general practice, highlights the problem of access to after hours primary care which the Government…

Government decision on ACC must not compromise patient care

Today’s announcement by the Government that it will open up the ACC Work Account to private insurers will be looked at closely by the New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) to…

World class surgeon and researcher recipient of NZMA Chair’s Award

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) today awarded Professor Swee Tan the Chair’s Award – the NZMA’s highest standing award – for his world class research into strawberry birthmarks, which…

Tobacco recommendations require action

The Maori Affairs Select Committee’s tobacco report, which has been tabled in parliament today, will have a dramatic effect on improving public health if its recommendations are implemented into law,…

Online social media and maintaining medical professionalism

Guide to online professionalism for doctors and medical students A resource to assist doctors and medical students to maintain professional standards when using online social media has today been launched…

NZMA welcomes Ministry of Health serious and sentinel events report

Tobacco recommendations will improve health and reduce inequalities

Recommendations made by the Maori Affairs Select Committee’s inquiry into tobacco are strongly endorsed by the New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) which says that adopting the proposals would have a…

Raising alcohol price essential to address binge drinking

Research showing that some alcohol is now cheaper than bottled water, published in today’s New Zealand Medical Journal, is very concerning and backs the view that price rises are an…

Government's alcohol measures welcomed

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) welcomes the Government’s new policies to address the many problems caused by excessive alcohol consumption, but would have liked the Government to implement additional…

NZMA notes the passing of Sir Randal Elliott

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) notes with deep regret the passing of Sir Randal Elliott, KBE, MB ChB (NZ) 1947, RCS&P DO 1949, FRCS (Oph) Eng 1953, FRACS (Oph)…

NZMA supports changes to lab test charges

The NZMA has welcomed the announcement by the Minister of Health Hon Tony Ryall that DHBs will no longer be charging patients for laboratory services ordered by private specialists. NZMA…

NZMA supports smokefree prisons

The Government’s announcement to make all New Zealand prisons smokefree by July next year is strongly supported by the New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA). “This will have a positive effect…

Action on children's health inequalities supported

The report released last Thursday by the Primary Healthcare Advisory Committee (PHAC), which highlights inequalities in child health and concerning statistics such as our low immunisation rates, is a very…

NZMA welcomes Auckland labs transition review

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) has welcomed yesterday’s announcement by the Minister of Health of a review of the transition of community laboratory services in Auckland. NZMA Chair Dr…

NZMA supports RACP position statement

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) supports the position statement of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), which encourages GPs to think carefully before giving patients medical certificates for…

NZMA voices strong support for Law Commission's alcohol report

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) today welcomed the release of the Law Commission's paperAlcohol in Our Lives: Curbing the Harm, which should help our country tackle the many problems…

Retention of NZ doctors threatened by higher course fees - NZMA

The New Zealand Medical Association is calling on the Government to reconsider its stated intention to raise course fees for medical students saying that such a move will adversely affect…

Government must take lead on health delivery

DHB quarterly performance results released today, which show variable results and highlight concerning inconsistencies in healthcare delivery across New Zealand, require stronger leadership from the Government, says the New Zealand…

NZMA welcomes election of new medical council chair

The election of Dr John Adams, the Dean of the Dunedin School of Medicine, as Chair of the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) has been welcomed by the New…

Leadership award well deserved - NZMA

Dr Divya Dhar, an NZMA member and past Vice-President of the NZMSA, has won the Young New Zealander of the Year Award which is a tremendous and well earned achievement…