Getting a GP appointment in Invercargill, and across parts of Southland, has been a major concern for local people — but that's about to change.
The National-led Government is boosting General Practice funding by $175 million this year. This is the largest funding boost for GPs in our country’s history, and is part of a $1.37 billion package for Health New Zealand through Budget 2025, focused on delivering timely, quality care closer to home.
Too many Southlanders have been turned away because their GP is full, while those who are new to the community have had extreme trouble finding a GP that’s taking patients.
This investment means:
- More appointments
- Shorter waits
- Stronger support to keep fees low – especially for families doing it tough
The funding package includes a 13.89 percent funding increase for GP clinics to help them see more patients and ease wait times. It also provides targeted support to keep care affordable for low-income families and under-14s.
Additional funding will also allow GPs to carry out more minor procedures in the community – like skin excisions, iron infusions, and minor gynaecological treatments – delivering care closer to home and reducing pressure on hospitals.
People deserve access to timely, quality primary healthcare, and we recognise the vital role GPs play in meeting that demand.
In another excellent development, 180 overseas-trained doctors have expressed interest in a new Government-funded training programme aimed at boosting New Zealand’s GP numbers.
We need more doctors in our region – particularly in rural areas – and this new two-year training programme to support up to 100 additional overseas-trained doctors across the country is a practical solution.
The programme supports qualified international doctors to become registered in New Zealand, with a particular focus on those wanting to enter general practice roles. This creates a clear pathway for doctors already in the country and ready to contribute to our health system.
This will make a real difference, and it's part of our broader plan to strengthen primary and rural healthcare and ensure Southlanders get timely access to the care they need.
Invercargill MP Penny Simmons.
Funded by Parliamentary Services and published by arrangement.